Summary sheet
The project relates to the design and rollout of a publicly owned fibre broadband network public initiative network (PIN) in 7 departments of the Grand Est region in France (Ardennes, Marne, Aube, Haute-Marne, Meuse, Vosges and Meurthe-et-Moselle).
The objective of the project is to deploy a fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network that will connect around 900,000 homes. The access networks included in the project will be deployed in areas where private operators do not provide very high speed broadband services due to lack of commercial interest.
Investments in fixed telecommunications projects (mainly civil works for fibre rollout) do not fall under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2011/92/EU as amended. The related works have limited environmental effects, apart from disturbances during civil work construction, which can be mitigated by appropriate measures. Full environmental details will be assessed during appraisal, including the possible impact on protected flora and fauna (Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC and Birds Directive 79/409/EEC).
The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project have been/shall be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (Directive 2014/23/EU or 2014/24/EU as well as Directives 89/665/EEC and 92/13/EEC) as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with publication of tender notices in the Official Journal of the EU, as and where required.