French negotiators often prefer addressing all significant terms together rather than reaching quick agreement on easy points. This reflects concern that early agreements may constrain options on difficult issues to come, and that agreement terms interrelate in ways that separating them might miss. Be prepared for this comprehensive approach, which can extend timelines but produces agreements whose parts fit together coherently.
Avoid pressing for quick wins on individual terms if the other party prefers seeing the complete picture first. Understand that concessions may be linked across terms—what you offer on one point connects to what you expect on others. The negotiation is not truly settled until the complete arrangement is agreed.
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