1. Obligations to inform and involve the public: national sources

The recognition in national law of rights and obligations in terms of public information and participation is the result of a long historical process that began, in the 2nd half of the 20th century, with the consecration of a general right to information for citizens.

This evolution continued with the recognition of a right to information specific to the environment, followed by the right to be involved in environmental decision-making.

These two rights have acquired constitutional status in French law, placing them at the top of the hierarchy of legal rules. The French Constitutional Council has thus censured legislative provisions that infringe these rights, forcing the French Parliament to reinforce the obligations to inform and involve the public.