Overview
- The French government plans to file an appeal and request a suspension of the administrative court's ruling that halted the A69 highway construction project.
- The A69 project, which aims to connect Castres and Toulouse, was stopped after the court annulled its environmental authorization, citing insufficient public interest to justify harm to protected species.
- Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot emphasized the project's importance for regional connectivity and economic development, describing the halt as a 'catastrophe' for affected businesses and workers.
- Approximately two-thirds of the highway construction has already been completed, with €300 million invested and significant infrastructure work underway.
- The government is also exploring potential reforms to streamline project approvals and prevent similar legal challenges in the future.