Forum Economique Breton- September 10 and 11, 2025, interview with Christian Pousset, founder of the FEB

"FEB highlights the ability of Breton players to work together to work together while respecting each other's identity".

On September 10 and 11, 2025, the Palais du Grand Large played host to the 6th edition of the Forum Économique Breton. 7,000 participants were present in the corsair town over the two-day event, which focused on a new Breton pact that was both federative and visionary. Christian Pousset, founder of the FEB, talks to the Malouin convention center about the roots of an event that grows in stature every year.

500 participants in 2020, 7000 in 2025... When the idea of this FEB was first conceived, did you imagine that the event would be such a success?

We were hoping for it. Its success shows that we made the right choice in proposing this event, which answered a number of questions: how can we ensure that growth benefits everyone and serves the balance of our regions? How can we coordinate private action with public orders? We were convinced that employment issues could not be tackled without talking about housing, mobility, health, education... You can have the most beautiful entrepreneurial project, but if it is conceived without taking into account housing (where are the employees going to live?), travel (how are they going to get to work without it being expensive and with minimal impact on the environment?), infrastructures (are there schools for their children?), the particularities of a territory or the ecological transition, its realization will be complicated.

What's changed since 2020?

The FEB has gained in credibility. The concept works, creates diversity and has highlighted the ability of Breton players to work together while respecting each other's identity. It shows that in a European context where the "country" dimension is losing its strength, the right level is the region. By setting up a strategic orientation committee, and taking our time to convince others, we've managed to do some interesting things in 6 years. 

"For a new Breton pact" is at the heart of this 2025 edition....

This theme is indeed at the heart of our discussions. The pact we have begun to build can and should be a response to current and future challenges in a world in crisis. By charting a common course, built upstream through debate and dialogue, and desired and accepted by as many people as possible, we will make our territories stronger and more resilient. We need to think and act together for employment, sovereignty, cybersecurity, a greener economy, but also for culture, health, ecology, transport, education...The FEB brings together business leaders, elected representatives, academics, researchers, trade unionists, committed citizens, all "people of good will" who believe in this Breton pact.

Since its creation, the FEB's home port has been the Grand Large and Saint-Malo. Are you happy there?

The Palais du Grand Large is one of the finest convention centers in France. We're trying to find additional space to support our growth: we've created a village, and this year we're taking up residence on two magnificent sailing ships, the Français and the Belem. We're very proud of this. We're already looking for other venues for next year, so that we can continue to grow and welcome participants in excellent conditions. We know we can count on sufficient accommodation capacity, and the ease of access to Saint-Malo - by car or train, with a TGV station just a 15-minute walk from Le Grand Large - are assets.

"Choosing Saint Malo from among the region's extensive facilities is no easy task. Our choice was motivated by the exceptional infrastructure of the Palais du Grand Large and the professionalism of the technical and sales teams. Today, our collaboration is designed for the long term, with a growing commitment on the part of all stakeholders.

What could FEB look like in 10 years' time?

What I already know is that the event is no longer just a 2-day get-together: partners now devote 8 to 10 days to it, outside the event itself.
I'd be very proud if, in 10 years' time, FEB were both an event and a think tank capable of creating value and cohesion.

Interview Béatrice Ercksen