Dominique de Villepin's Keynote Address at the 39th Enterprise Days
Dominique de Villepin, the guest of honor at the 39th Enterprise Days held from December 11 to 13, 2025, delivered a dense and ambitious speech on the upheavals in the global economic order. Before an audience of business leaders, institutional officials, and numerous young people, the former French Prime Minister presented a diagnosis of a world entering an unprecedented phase of transformation.
A Decisive Moment in History
De Villepin emphasized the decisive nature of the current moment, stating that humanity has never experienced such a profound and simultaneous transformation of the economy, politics, institutions, and societies in several centuries. He explained that in this new 21st century, it would no longer be possible to function with the models of the past. He described a true phase of "creative destruction" of the global economic order, where all the pieces of the puzzle are moving at the same time, taking established benchmarks with them.
The Collapse of Globalization's Pillars
De Villepin then described the gradual collapse of the major pillars that structured globalization. He first highlighted the decline of Western dominance, which has long been at the heart of the global economic organization. This hegemony is now being surpassed, as China, after centuries of eclipse, is regaining a central position, joined by other regions of the world. Contrary to received ideas, he emphasized that China is no longer limited to low-cost industrial segments. Today, it is a leader in many strategic technological fields, including electric batteries, artificial intelligence, optical communications, and quantum computing.
The Challenges of Globalization
De Villepin then discussed the challenges to liberal globalization, which is being weakened by the rise of trade wars and unbalanced bilateral agreements. He described an imperial logic based on the appropriation of resources, pressure on economic partners, and the desire for technological supremacy, particularly in the digital and artificial intelligence sectors. This dynamic, he warned, carries significant risks for the global economy, including the possibility of global stagflation, fueled by rising tariffs, inflationary pressure, and slowing growth. He also cautioned against a speculative bubble, particularly around artificial intelligence, whose valuations and investments could become disconnected from economic realities. Finally, without announcing an imminent collapse, he considered a shock to the dollar to be "thinkable," given the magnitude of American deficits and the gradual loss of confidence by some international actors.
A New Economic Order
For De Villepin, the new economic order that is emerging will be marked by enhanced multipolarity. The global economic geography will be reorganized around poles and zones of influence, putting an end to the illusion of universal free trade. In this context, intraregional trade should develop, particularly in Africa, where economic integration remains far below its potential. He stressed the importance of infrastructure corridors, digitalization, and standardization to support this dynamic.
Tunisia at the Heart of Euro-African Strategies
Addressing the European question, the former Prime Minister acknowledged that Europe would still face difficult years ahead. However, he believed that it would emerge more independent and stronger from these trials. Faced with Chinese pressure, American dominance in digital and financial services, and the need to decarbonize, Europe would be forced to correct its dependencies. It should adopt targeted protectionism, industrial, environmental, and financial, while rethinking its relationships with its immediate neighbors.
The Maghreb and Africa's Role
In this context, De Villepin accorded a central place to the Maghreb, North Africa, and the Middle East. According to him, Europe's economic and geopolitical future would not be played out only in the East, but first and foremost on the other side of the Mediterranean. He recalled that the low economic integration of the Maghreb is both a handicap and a huge opportunity. He believed that the development of intraregional trade would be a decisive asset for strengthening the region's attractiveness to the European Union.
Tunisia as a Euro-African Hub
Speaking specifically to Tunisia, De Villepin highlighted its advantages in becoming a Euro-African interconnection platform. He emphasized its potential in nearshoring, financial services, innovation, and digital technologies.
The Role of Diasporas
The former Prime Minister also stressed the key role of diasporas, which he considers a reservoir of entrepreneurial energy and innovation that is still underutilized. He advocated for strengthened training exchanges and even suggested creating a "Mediterranean Erasmus" program to bring the youth of both shores closer together.
