Overview

• The protest is the largest to date against the 107‑kilometre waterway linking the Seine to the Escaut and northern European ports.
• Environmental collectives led the march near Thourotte, joined by unions and NGOs including FSU, Solidaires, the Confédération paysanne, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.
• Opponents argue the design will artificialize roughly 3,200 hectares, threaten about 300 protected species and strain water resources.
• Critics also dispute the economic case, noting a 2019 cost estimate of €5 billion that is expected to rise, with some warning the bill could approach €10 billion.
• Project promoters say the canal will enable 180‑meter barges carrying up to 4,400 tonnes and reduce truck traffic, while works that began in 2022 continue toward service expected in 2032.