Four US consulates in France identified as facing possible closure under Trump
The American administration is cutting back on diplomatic missions across the world, with France seen as a key target for downsizing
Only one French consulate may remain open alongside the main Embassy in Paris pictured here
Vernerie Yann/Shutterstock
Several US consulates across Europe – including four in France – have been identified as facing closure under the Trump administration.
Plans to cut down the State Department (Foreign Affairs) include reducing the number of diplomats and programmes funded by the department alongside consulate closures.
In France, four of the five current consulates are named as at risk of closure – Lyon, Strasbourg, Rennes, and Bordeaux by the American political media Politico.
This would leave only the consulate in Marseille alongside the main US Embassy in Paris.
It means those looking for consular services such as passport renewal (possible at consulates for American citizens) and notarial services may have to travel further for these.
Other US consulates across Europe facing closure include Dusseldorf, Leipzig and Hamburg in Germany, Florence in Italy, and Ponta Delgada in Portugal.
The move seems to further solidify US plans to withdraw resources from Europe, and come at a fraught time amid heated discussions between America and the EU over the war in Ukraine, NATO membership, and cross-bloc tariffs.
Read more: Trump tariff row: How much - and what - does the US export to France and vice versa
The plans have not been confirmed by the US but are backed by current Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Read more: How many Britons and Americans got their first French visa or residency card in 2024?
‘Worrying’ for cities affected
Politicians in Strasbourg have responded with dismay.
The move was denounced as “a worrying signal,” by president of the Strasbourg metropole Pia Imbs and mayor of the city Jeanne Barseghian in a joint announcement.
They called it “worrying for the city, which plays an essential role as a European capital and is home to numerous international institutions, notably the Council of Europe.”
“The American consulate is a key player in our international dynamic, facilitating diplomatic and economic exchanges… its departure could have significant repercussions in terms of the long-standing international links between the United States and the Council of Europe,” they said.
“We are committed to maintaining strong relations with our international partners, including the United States, and to promoting Strasbourg as a focal point for European and global diplomacy,” they added.
Local councillor Pierre Jakubowicz also criticised the move, highlighting the 160-year history of the consulate in Strasbourg and the close ties it brings between the US and EU.
Read more: Do US citizens need documents notarised at embassy in France?
How many US citizens live in France?
The move will undoubtedly affect Americans living in France – an ever-increasing demographic.
In 2024, 13,000 Americans received their first residency-card to live in France, making them the fifth-highest recipients. They were behind only Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia (all with historical colonial links to France) and China.
It was a five percent increase on 2023 figures, showing France remains a popular destination for Americans moving to the continent.
Conversely, the US did not make the top ten for countries seeing visas renewed.
Recent figures reveal that Americans who purchase a property in the country spend on average over €500,000 – significantly higher than, for example, their British counterparts.
Read more: Second home US buyers resist French property slump
Out of the Americans living in France around 25% live in the capital.
Read more: 2024 official residency card statistics released: how many Americans and Britons are moving to France?
