Wisconsin Forms Sister-State Pact With French Region

The agreement with Bourgogne-Franche-Comté marks Wisconsin's first new sister-state relationship in 36 years.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in International Relations

Wisconsin Forms Sister-State Pact With French Region

Live Poll

Do you believe state-level international sister-state agreements improve your local economy?

Governor Tony Evers signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a sister-state relationship between Wisconsin and the French region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. This partnership aims to strengthen economic and educational collaboration across multiple sectors.

Why it matters

The agreement is designed to bolster mutual prosperity by fostering international cooperation in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and health sciences. It represents a significant diplomatic shift for the state after decades without a new partner.

This agreement marks the seventh sister-state relationship for Wisconsin and the first addition to the portfolio in 36 years. The partnership follows formal discussions initiated by a delegation visit in 2024.

The players

Tony Evers

Tony Evers is the current Governor of Wisconsin who signed the memorandum of understanding to formalize the partnership.

Jérôme Durain

Jérôme Durain is the President of the BFC Regional Council who represented the French region during the signing.

The details

Governor Tony Evers finalized the deal with BFC Regional Council President Jérôme Durain to open pathways for collaborative research and trade. The two regions intend to pursue long-term growth and educational exchanges to support their respective industries.

2024: A BFC regional delegation visited Wisconsin to begin partnership discussions.
October 19, 2026: Governor Evers and regional officials announced the sister-state agreement.

Political Context

Opponents or skeptics of such international pacts often argue that the state should prioritize domestic investment over the overhead costs of maintaining global sister-state bureaucracy. Critics may question whether the projected economic benefits justify the public resources required to sustain these long-distance administrative relationships.

Wisconsin residents and local businesses may see new opportunities for international trade and educational exchanges arising from this partnership. The deal establishes a formal channel for potential agricultural and manufacturing collaboration between the two regions.

The takeaway

This diplomatic milestone signals a renewed state-level focus on integrating Wisconsin industries into broader global markets. Residents interested in international opportunities can monitor upcoming state trade delegations for potential business and academic involvement.