Article L1111-8-1 of the French General Code of Local Authorities
Except where national interests are at stake, the State may delegate the exercise of certain of its powers by agreement to a territorial authority or a public establishment for inter-municipal cooperation with its own tax status that so requests. The powers delegated pursuant to this article are exercised in the name and on behalf of the State. They may not empower the local authorities and public establishments concerned to derogate…