2. French law on public contracting (loi sur la maîtrise d'ouvrage publique or MOP law)

2.1 Operation

In order for the law on public contracting (loi MOP, see [Doc. W 9 510] ) to apply without dispute to the planned operation, a double requirement is necessary:

• the local authority is subject to the MOP law. We have seen that, in almost all cases involving investments in the water sector, these criteria were met;

• the project, i.e. all the works carried out, are themselves subject to the MOP law (decree no. 86-520 of March 14, 1986, which excludes certain categories of works).

In the water sector, the vast majority of investments made by local authorities are subject to the...