6. Public information and participation

Citizens' right to information is a key element of the Seveso regulations and their transposition into French law. The French Environment Code (article L. 125-2) stipulates that "citizens have a right to information on the major risks to which they are exposed in certain areas of the country, and on the protective measures that concern them".

In accordance with article R 125-11 of the French Environment Code, the Prefect is required to publish essential information on major natural and technological risks (including those associated with Seveso establishments) in the département in a file drawn up at département level (the dossier départemental sur les risques majeurs – DDRM). The information given to citizens on the major risks to which they are exposed must include a description of the risks and their foreseeable consequences for people, property and the environment,...