France has lost market share of inward investment into Europe, according to figures published Wednesday, allowing the UK to consolidate its position as the continent’s favoured destination for FDI projects.

The European Investment Monitor, compiled by Ernst & Young, the professional services firm, considers foreign direct investment in terms of projects and not investment inflows. It shows that the number of foreign projects into Europe rose to a record high of 3,531 last year, up by 15 per cent on 2005.