Monaco Abandons €655 Million Symbiose Waste Treatment Project Amid Political Tensions
Monaco's government halts the costly Symbiose project, choosing to renovate its existing waste incineration plant, stirring political tensions.
Key Points
- • Monaco government abandons €655 million Symbiose project for existing plant renovation.
- • Political tensions surface over lack of consultation with the National Council.
- • New waste management project aims to enhance energy autonomy.
- • Concerns raised over legal implications of exporting waste to France and Italy.
On July 10, 2025, the Monaco government announced its decision to abandon the €655 million Symbiose waste treatment project, opting instead for the demolition and reconstruction of the current incineration plant in Fontvieille. This news marks a significant shift in Monaco's waste management strategy, which has evolved since the first thermal waste facility was established in 1898.
The new initiative aims not only to modernize waste treatment but also to ensure energy autonomy for the principality, as past plans for the Symbiose project have seen costs double over time. The government has now estimated rising operational costs for the existing plant from €42 million to around €60 million, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility.
Tensions have arisen among the elected members of the National Council, who are frustrated by perceived governmental opacity and insufficient consultation regarding these key decisions. Council President Thomas Brezzo criticized the lack of transparency and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach moving forward, especially under the new Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, who is expected to engage in future discussions regarding the project.
Previous Minister of State Pierre Dartout defended the decision to keep waste treatment capabilities within Monaco to maintain its sovereignty. However, critics argue that true sovereignty in essential sectors like electricity and defense is already compromised, being reliant on France. Recent statements from the government express legal concerns about the prospect of exporting waste to France and Italy, an option that some Council members believe could alleviate space issues in Monaco.
As the situation develops, the Monaco government is under pressure to provide comprehensive information to all stakeholders to ensure both transparency and efficacy in future decision-making processes regarding waste management.