Bouygues CEO Urges Europe To Diversify Its Satellite Infrastructure

Strategic Reliance Under Scrutiny

Olivier Roussat, CEO of Paris-based Bouygues, one of France’s leading engineering and telecommunications conglomerates, cautioned Europe against an overreliance on U.S. satellite infrastructure during a recent interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box Europe. Roussat highlighted the critical importance of emerging technologies, notably artificial intelligence and satellite systems, in shaping the continent’s future.

Warning Against Dependence

Addressing the potential vulnerabilities in Europe’s digital framework, Roussat stressed that leaning solely on infrastructures such as Elon Musk’s Starlink could pose significant risks. “Europe doesn’t realize exactly how dangerous it is to just rely on the American infrastructure,” he noted, emphasising the urgent need for a robust, autonomous alternative to enhance the region’s digital sovereignty.

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Enhancing European Digital Sovereignty

Bouygues, which operates in construction, transport, and telecommunications, is at the forefront of industry consolidation efforts in France. In a move that could reshape the competitive landscape, the company is spearheading a bid for a 42% stake in rival operator SFR as part of a joint effort with Free–iliad Group and Orange. The proposed transaction, with a deal value of 20.35 billion euros ($23.6 billion), stands as one of the largest telecom deals in Europe in recent years.

Implications For The Telecom Sector

An acquisition of this scale would reduce the number of major network operators in France from four to three, prompting significant regulatory scrutiny. Roussat believes that antitrust authorities, particularly the European Commission, will need to ensure that market consolidation does not stifle fair competition. “The game for them is to set up conditions where we will have fair competition between us, and I think it’s possible,” he asserted.

Looking Ahead

Roussat’s remarks underscore a broader strategic dialogue about Europe’s digital future. As the continent grapples with balancing national security and technological innovation, the call to develop indigenous alternatives to U.S. satellite and digital infrastructure resonates as a crucial step toward safeguarding economic and operational sovereignty.

For further details about Bouygues and its initiatives, please visit the official Bouygues website.

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Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 18, 2026

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

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Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

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