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Updated on 14 November 2026 : the proceedings against the A412 have already cost the City of Geneva nearly 38,000 euros, or around 35,000 francs, according to Léman Bleu. It will appeal to the Court of Cassation and is considering a compensation claim against the French State.
Background
Work on the A412 motorway, between Machilly and Thonon, has begun in the French Chablais. The City of Geneva, six Geneva municipalities and associations are challenging the prefectoral order granting its environmental permit.
The key points
The judge of the Administrative Court of Appeal of Lyon rejected Geneva's request, the Tribune de Genève reported on 30 October 2026. Geneva was seeking suspension of the environmental permit and a halt to the works due to shortcomings.
According to RTS, the court considers that none of the arguments raised casts serious doubt on the legality of the order. The municipalities of Choulex, Presinge, Gy, Puplinge, Vandœuvres and Lancy were associated with the procedure.
On the ground, deforestation of the Chablais forest continues. The appeal on the merits is still pending.
Key figures
- 6 : Geneva municipalities involved in the proceedings, paying a flat fee of 200 francs each per procedure
- Around 35,000 francs : costs incurred by the City of Geneva, according to Léman Bleu
- 70 hectares : area of forest already cleared for the works
- 2029 : planned opening of the motorway
Who says what
- City of Geneva : it fears an increase in commuter cars, while the Léman Express already serves the section.
- Alfonso Gomez (Administrative Councillor of the City of Geneva): he considers the fight essential for residents’ well-being and health.
- Nature Protection Council : it notes major damage to biodiversity.
What's next
- Decision expected from the French courts on the merits, against the environmental authorisation, by summer 2027, according to Léman Bleu.
- Appeal to the Court of Cassation by the City of Geneva, at a cost of around 6,000 euros at most.
Further reading
Sources
- Léman Bleu – The City of Geneva’s fight against the A412 has cost it 35,000 CHF
- Tribune de Genève – The City of Geneva is unable to stop the construction of the A412
- RTS – A412 motorway: the appeal by Geneva rejected by the courts
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