A significant development in European infrastructure projects occurred on Wednesday as the European Commission approved a new tranche of financial aid. The Seine-Nord Europe Canal, a vital project aimed at enhancing the connectivity of French waterways to Northern Europe's river network, received 300 million euros. This funding is part of the Connecting Europe Mechanism (CEF), which also allocated 765 million euros for the Lyon-Turin cross-border railway line.
The Seine-Nord Europe Canal project, often referred to as the 'project of the century,' has faced numerous challenges over the years, including funding shortages and political hesitations. The canal, stretching 107 km and 54 m wide, aims to link Compiègne in the Oise to Aubencheul-au-Bac in the North, thereby connecting to the Benelux river network. This initiative is expected to alleviate congestion on France's main waterways and reduce truck traffic on the Northern highway. Additionally, it promises economic stimulation and job creation in the region.
In November 2023, a significant milestone was achieved with the inauguration of an 11 km section of the canal. The entire project is slated for completion by 2030. Despite its potential benefits, the Seine-Nord Canal has not been without controversy, particularly regarding its cost, which is currently estimated at 5.1 billion euros. The project is financed entirely through public funds, with contributions from the European Union, the French state, and local authorities.
Environmental concerns have also been raised, particularly about the canal's impact on biodiversity and pollution from construction. The water supply for the canal, sourced from a massive reservoir with a capacity of 14 million m², has faced opposition from ecological groups, although the Canal Company assures that it will not deplete water tables.
The Lyon-Turin high-speed rail project, another major European infrastructure endeavor, also received substantial funding. The European Union allocated an additional 765 million euros to this project, which aims to create a high-speed rail link between France and Italy. This includes 700 million euros for the tunnel currently being dug in the Alps and 64.569 million euros for studies on the railway tracks between Lyon and the tunnel.
The Lyon-Turin project, initiated over 30 years ago, has seen its costs escalate significantly, with the cross-border tunnel's cost alone increasing from 5.2 to 9.6 billion euros. The overall cost of the project was estimated at over 26 billion euros in 2012. Despite support from authorities and economic stakeholders, the project has faced strong opposition from environmental activists due to its impact on the mountain range and its high costs.
In June 2023, thousands of demonstrators from environmental groups, including the Earth Uprisings and the Italian No-Tav movement, protested against the Lyon-Turin project in the Maurienne Valley. The project's proponents argue that it will enhance rail freight development and contribute to sustainable transport infrastructure in Europe.
