Overview
- Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu signed a protocol in Toulouse Thursday and declared the Bordeaux–Toulouse high‑speed line irreversible, with about €500 million released to start procurement.
- Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said the government and local authorities will spend the next month choosing a financing model, including whether to use a public‑private partnership.
- An advisory report from the infrastructure council warns costs are likely about 20% above the €14 billion estimate set in 2020 and shifts first service to 2035 for Toulouse and 2042 for the Bordeaux–Dax leg.
- Regional and city leaders welcomed the pledge yet demanded fast follow‑through, urging the state to launch calls for tender in 2026 and lay out a clear schedule.
- Environmental groups asked to meet the prime minister and argue the project breaks with France’s climate goals, urging upgrades to existing lines instead of new high‑speed tracks.