Protest against canal project

Near 2,000 people demonstrated against the Seine-Nord Europe canal construction project on October 11, 2025, in the Oise department, showing strong public opposition to the plan.

Legal challenge examined

The administrative court in Amiens examined on October 20 the appeal filed by the associations Protection du territoire Seine-Escaut (PTSE) and Nord Nature Environnement against the environmental authorization for the Seine-Nord Europe canal.

Canal project details

This 107-kilometer waterway, which is to be dug alongside the existing Nord canal to transport XXL barges, is strongly criticized. Critics argue it could harm the environment and local communities.

Public rapporteur’s stance

The public rapporteur requested the rejection of the appeal, dismissing all arguments presented by the associations, which contested, among other things, the benefits claimed by the project and its funding, considered largely underestimated, as well as its consequences on endangered species.

Decision pending

The court must deliver its decision on November 13. The opinion of the public rapporteur being largely followed by the administrative judges, the chances for the project opponents to succeed are now slim.

Protest at the hearing

On the sidelines of the hearing, about 150 people gathered in Amiens at the call of the collective Mega canal non merci, bringing together residents affected by the works, unions (Confédération paysanne, FSU, Solidaires), associations (Nord Nature Environnement, PTSE, Wild Legal) and political parties (La France insoumise, Les Écologistes, Union communiste libertaire, Nouveau Parti anticapitaliste).

Continued mobilization

The collective announced its intention to continue the mobilization on the legal and activist fronts, with the next deadline on October 29, the date on which a bill proposed by insoumise deputies could be put to a vote in the National Assembly to establish a ten-year moratorium on the construction site.