2030 Olympics: The courts demand greater transparency regarding future Olympic venues

In an order dated January 26, consulted Monday by AFP, the judge of the summary proceedings "ordered" Solideo (Olympic Works Delivery Company), "for projects for which it is likely to act as project manager, within the framework of the preparation of the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to ensure the publicity provided for" by the environmental code "by mentioning the objectives and essential characteristics of the works and by indicating its decision to refer or not to refer the National Commission for Public Debate, with regard to the decision to carry out these works."

In a statement, Solideo, based in Marseille, indicates that it will "appeal to the Court of Cassation", assuring that it is already organizing "public meetings".

A citizens' collective, JOP 2030, had launched proceedings in September before the administrative courts of Paris, Lyon and Marseille, requesting a referral to the National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) to debate "the general interest of this project" for the Winter Olympics and to highlight potential environmental risks.

In his order, the judge acknowledges that the Olympic Games organization project "includes the execution of public works and the construction of large-scale projects, including the construction of hotel complexes and sports, road, highway and railway infrastructure in the Alps."

"The applicants argue, without being seriously contradicted on this point, that this project is likely to have a significant impact and thus presents significant risks to the natural environment in which it is largely situated," the decision further emphasizes.

For Solidéo, the judge in chambers "limits himself to ordering the establishment to carry out publicity formalities by mentioning the objectives and essential characteristics as well as the consultation methods relating to the Olympic works, the cost of which is estimated at 1,4 billion euros of investments, including 800 million of public money.

The establishment assures that it is "fully committed to a consultation process on all Olympic works, like the public meetings" organized in 2025 in La Plagne (Savoie), Saint-Jean-de-Sixt (Haute-Savoie) and Nice.

The JOP 2030 welcomes what it considers "a halt to democratic denial" and believes that the project to organize the Winter Olympics "must be considered as a unique, comprehensive project, which must be subject to public information and participation measures as quickly as possible."