"Highway reopens"

#12068442

18 February 2025

The banner reads 'Stop the A69 and its world'. People gather in Toulouse, France, on February 18, 2025, as plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 between Toulouse and Castres go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. The last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway: a 'Major Imperative for public interest' is invalid, as did before the 'Rapporteur Public'. The 'Rapporteur Public' sticks to her position that all environmental authorizations should be nullified, taking down the ''Major Imperative for Public Interest''. If confirmed, it will stop the building of the A69 highway. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway will cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers.

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#12068444

18 February 2025

MP Anne Stambach-Terrenoir speaks to people. People gather in Toulouse, France, on February 18, 2025, as plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 between Toulouse and Castres go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. The last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for public interest,' is invalid, as did before the 'Rapporteur Public.' The 'Rapporteur Public' sticks to her position that all environmental authorizations should be nullified, taking down the ''Major Imperative for Public Interest.'' If confirmed, it will stop the building of the A69 highway. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway will cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without the inflation) for 54 kilometers.

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#12065001

17 February 2025

Someone writes 'Stop A69' on a sign near the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to say to the justices 'We're looking at you' and raise awareness among passers-by. The last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway: a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest' is invalid, as did before the 'Rapporteur Public'. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065002

17 February 2025

Thomas Brail stands near a banner reading 'Courage, Stop A69' in a tree near the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, an activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to convey to the justices, 'We are watching you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing, in theory, against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of delivering the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned A69 highway go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest,' is invalid, as the 'Rapporteur Public' previously stated. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 is sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065003

17 February 2025

'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') place a banner reading 'Courage, Stop A69' in a tree in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' from the GNSA ('National Group of Tree Watchers') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to convey to the justices, 'We are watching you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing, in theory, against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of delivering the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned A69 highway go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest,' is invalid, as the 'Rapporteur Public' previously stated. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065004

17 February 2025

'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') place a banner reading 'Courage, Stop A69' in a tree in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' from the GNSA ('National Group of Tree Watchers') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to convey to the justices, 'We are watching you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing, in theory, against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of delivering the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned A69 highway go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest,' is invalid, as the 'Rapporteur Public' previously stated. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065005

17 February 2025

'Squirrels' stand in a tree near the Administrative Court of Toulouse at dawn. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Squirrels' from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to say to the justices, 'We are looking at you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing, in theory, against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres, takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest,' is invalid, as the 'Rapporteur Public' did before. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (ie 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065006

17 February 2025

Geoffrey Tarroux, a member of 'La Voie Est Libre' (meaning 'the way is free'), speaks to a journalist in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (meaning 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to convey to the justices, 'We are watching you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of delivering the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest,' is invalid, as the 'Rapporteur Public' previously stated. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (meaning 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065007

17 February 2025

Trees are occupied by 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') near the Administrative Court of Toulouse. The banner reads 'courage, stop the A69'. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National group of trees watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to convey to the justices 'We're looking at you' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway: a 'Major Imperative for public interest' is invalid, as did before the 'Rapporteur Public'. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065008

17 February 2025

Two squirrels (Activist Thomas Brail on the left) stand in a tree near the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to convey to the justices, 'We are looking at you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest,' is invalid, as did the 'Rapporteur Public' before. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065009

17 February 2025

Squirrels ('Ecureuils') stand in a tree near the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to convey to the justices, 'We are looking at you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway: a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest' is invalid, as the 'Rapporteur Public' did before. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers. In Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065010

17 February 2025

The activist Thomas Brail stands in a tree near a banner reading 'Courage Stop A69' in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to say to the justices, 'We are looking at you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest,' is invalid, as did before the 'Rapporteur Public'. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065011

17 February 2025

Passers-by ask organizers why there is a banner and people in the trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National Group of Trees Watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to say to the justices, 'We are looking at you,' and to raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, surprising everyone, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for Public Interest,' is invalid, as did the 'Rapporteur Public' before. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 is sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers. In Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#12065012

17 February 2025

Squirrels place a banner reading 'courage, Stop the A69' into a tree near the Administrative Court of Toulouse. Thomas Brail, the activist and arborist-climber, and 'Ecureuils' (i.e., 'squirrels') from the GNSA ('National group of trees watching') occupy trees in front of the Administrative Court of Toulouse to convey to the justices 'We're looking at you' and raise awareness among passers-by. Tomorrow, the last hearing (in theory) against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres takes place at the Administrative Court of Toulouse. In December, the judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision on the content. Plaintiffs (LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, D'Ingrando, etc.) against the planned highway A69 go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads, among other things, that the main reason for building this highway: a 'Major Imperative for public interest' is invalid, as did before the 'Rapporteur Public'. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to be stopped until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 is sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers in Toulouse, France, on February 17, 2025.

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#11872277

16 December 2024

The banner of the GNSA is displayed during the protest. Between 100 and 1500 people gather in Toulouse, France, on December 15, 2024, against a non-administrative court ruling of the Administrative Court regarding the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres. The judge decides to reopen the files instead of issuing the court decision. Plaintiffs, including LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, and D'Ingrando, oppose the planned A69 highway and go on 'administrative' trial against the French State, along with the builder NGE and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), argues that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for public interest,' is invalid. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free') wants the construction of the highway to be stopped until all judicial decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project claim that the reprofiling of the N126 will suffice for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers. More than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural fields will be destroyed.

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#11872278

16 December 2024

Amid the crowd, a placard reads 'Shame on the A69'. Between 100 and 1500 people gather in Toulouse, France, on December 15, 2024, against a non-administrative court ruling of the Administrative Court against the environmental authorization to build the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres. The judge decides to reopen the files instead of giving the court decision. Plaintiffs, including LVEL, Attac, Amis de la Terre, and D'Ingrando, go on 'administrative' trial against the French State along with the builder, NGE, and its concessionary Atosca. Alice Terrasse, the main lawyer for 'La Voie Est Libre' (opponents), pleads that the main reason for building this highway, a 'Major Imperative for public interest,' is invalid. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free'), opponents want the building of the highway to stop until all the justice decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will be sufficient for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway will cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers. More than 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural fields will be destroyed.

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