French electronic music and the artists who helped define it are once again part of a wider cultural conversation. In a recent interview with French radio station FG, President Emmanuel Macron expressed his support for recognising French electronic music culture at an institutional level, similar to how Berlin techno has been acknowledged in Germany.
Macron highlighted the global influence of the French scene, often referred to as French touch, and its lasting cultural impact. Artists such as Daft Punk played a central role in bringing this movement to international audiences, helping shape electronic music beyond club culture and into global popular culture.
The discussion follows Germany’s decision in 2023 to include Berlin techno on its national list of intangible cultural heritage. While this is not the same as UNESCO recognition, it opened the door for other countries to reflect on how electronic music has become part of their cultural identity.
It is important to clarify that UNESCO does not recognise individual artists or bands. Its intangible cultural heritage framework is designed to protect shared cultural practices, traditions and expressions. At this stage, no official application for French electronic music has been approved and no decision has been made by UNESCO.
Macron’s statement should therefore be understood as political support and cultural advocacy rather than confirmation of any listing. Whether French electronic music culture will one day receive formal heritage recognition remains uncertain, but the fact that the conversation now exists at this level shows how far electronic music has come.
