France

Defending the Internal Water Empire
2/4/2003 - While peddling the benefits of free-market privatization abroad, France carefully guards its own borders against foreign companies, claiming water is too important to be controlled by outsiders. In late 2002, when debt-ridden Vivendi Universal announced it would sell its shares in its water division, Vivendi Environnement, the French government was not enthusiastic about the prospect of foreigners gaining control of it. "Water supply is very much a public service, and we should pay attention... 

Water and Power: The French Connection
France is the birthplace of modern water privatization, but its leading companies have been rocked by scandals and allegations of influence-peddling.

Defending the Internal Water Empire
While peddling the benefits of free-market privatization abroad, France carefully guards its own borders against foreign companies, claiming water is too important to be controlled by outsiders.

Commission takes action against nine countries for breaking water laws
The European Commission has announced that it is taking legal action against France for failing to comply with a variety of water-related directives.