Trends

Widening social and regional inequalities

The stakes

Contrasting lifestyles between urban, suburban and rural areas are becoming increasing clear. Their attractiveness depends on access to housing, employment, mobility, education, culture and healthcare, now accentuated by risks linked to climate change, which affect certain regions more than others.

1/2 Almost one in two French people report having just enough money to meet their basic needs, or even not enough. Source: Annual report on the state of France in 2024, French Economic, Social and Environmental Council
58% of French people experience problems accessing housing (84% in the overseas departments and regions). Source: Annual report on the state of France in 2024, French Economic, Social and Environmental Council

Across the regions, inequalities in terms of wealth and income are therefore deepening, as is the capacity of different populations to bounce back and adapt. Young and vulnerable people are particularly affected in a context characterised by a global increase in situations of economic insecurity.

Opportunities

  • Ensuring a strong presence and mobilisation in the regions to support the economy, entrepreneurship and innovation through the Group’s various networks.
  • Developing banking, social and entrepreneurial accessibility.

Key actions

  • Creation of an EKO standard of accessible and inclusive offers for everyday banking, insurance and mobility.
  • Engagement in favour of young people in the form of dedicated banking and insurance offers and the implementation of a “Plan Jeunesse” addressing training and insertion, including the digital platform Youzful, dedicated to employment for young people.
  • Development of property ownership for all and financing for social housing.
  • Investment in the social and solidarity economy (Amundi Finance et Solidarité, Crédit Agricole CIB bookrunner for social bonds) and in social housing.
  • 45 social bonds issued in the Crédit Agricole S.A. scope, for more than €7.9 billion in assets.
  • LCL offers and loans to professionals and SMEs in rural regeneration areas.
  • Roll-out of Crédit Agricole Santé & Territoires to facilitate access to healthcare and ageing well.
  • Stronger presence to support insurance policyholders who are victims of climate-related disasters.
  • Support for households in situations of economic hardship (Points Passerelle, for example).

See also our social strategy.