Le chantier du siècle démarre en France (et personne ne sait à quoi il va servir)

The construction project of the century is starting in France, but no one knows what it will be used for. The Seine-Nord Europe Canal, a massive waterway, is to be dug between the Oise and Nord departments, parallel to the existing Canal du Nord. But the usefulness of this €7 billion project, which would have a considerable environmental impact, is being questioned by a multitude of stakeholders, even though the ancillary work to the canal has already begun. Reporterre investigated this colossal project and went to the site where the bulldozers have started digging. Using exclusive documents, we were able to create a model of the plans for a section of this canal, with dimensions never before seen in France. Reporterre is free to access, without advertising, shareholders, or subscriptions! 97% of our funding comes from our readers. If you too would like to support a media outlet committed to its independence, make a donation and share our work! 🩷 🩷 Support us with a donation: https://reporterre.net/dons 🩷 Subscribe to our daily and weekly newsletters (free): https://reporterre.net/lettres _________________#️⃣ Find us on social media: ▪️ Instagram: /reporterre_media ▪️ Facebook: /reporterrequotidiendelecologie ▪️ TikTok: /reporterre_media ▪️ LinkedIn: /reporterre ▪️ Thread: https://www.threads.net/@reporterre_m… ▪️ Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@Reporterre ▪️ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/reporterre.b… ▪️ Telegram: https://t.me/reporterre_media▪️ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029… Image credits: • Drone footage: XXL Organisation / Société du Canal Seine-Nord Europe.* • Maps: Louise Allain / Reporterre • 3D presentations and infographics: Société du Canal Seine-Nord Europe. • Photo: Camille Moirenc / hemis.fr via AFP • Seine-Nord Europe Canal: The project of the century is progressing in Hauts-de-France! / Hauts-de-France Region, February 5, 2026. • The Seine-Nord Europe Canal with me! Hauts-de-France Region, SCSNE, September 15, 2022. • Photos: Pablo Patarin / Reporterre. • Investigation: Erwan Manac’h Images: Lison Segue Editing: Joanna Adhem 3D images & thumbnail: Upian