France is moving toward a historic shift in financial policy as lawmakers propose a bill to create a national Bitcoin reserve. The plan calls for the government to acquire around 420,000 BTC—about 2% of Bitcoin’s total supply—over the next seven to eight years. The proposal, led by Éric Ciotti and the Union of the Right and Center Party (UDR), would make France the first European nation to formally integrate Bitcoin into its national reserves.

Funding for the initiative would come from public Bitcoin mining using surplus nuclear and hydroelectric energy, along with retaining seized crypto assets. The bill also suggests channeling a portion of popular savings accounts like Livret A toward daily Bitcoin purchases, potentially adding €15 million worth of BTC each day.

Though facing tough political odds, the proposal reflects France’s growing embrace of digital assets. Supporters see Bitcoin as “digital gold,” offering protection against inflation and enhancing financial sovereignty. Even if the bill fails, it places France at the forefront of Europe’s crypto conversation.