UNOC: A year later, affected Nice merchants finally begin to be compensated

Just over a year after the United Nations Conference on the Ocean (UNOC) organized in Nice, the first payments of compensation promised to merchants and businesses affected will be made. In total, 63 files have been selected for an amount of 2.5 million euros.

Nearly fourteen months after the third United Nations Conference on the Ocean (UNOC 3), organized in Nice from June 8-13, 2025, merchants affected by security restrictions will finally receive the compensation announced by the State.

For nearly a week, the security perimeters established around Port Lympia, Palais Sarde, the Exhibition Palace and the Mediterranean University Centre had led to closures, access restrictions and significantly disrupted traffic. Many businesses and companies, particularly in restaurants and water sports activities, had seen their activity decline.

Nearly 100 files had been submitted to State services to obtain financial compensation. After reviewing the applications, 63 files were ultimately accepted. Beneficiaries had been informed as early as April 2026 of the validation of their file and the amount of their compensation. The settlement agreements have now been transmitted and the first payments should be made in the coming days.

An envelope of 2.5 million euros for 63 businesses

The overall envelope reaches 2.5 million euros. Port and water sports activities represent the largest share of compensation. Twenty-one establishments will receive a total of 1.7 million euros due to navigation restrictions and constraints related to the organization of the summit.

Twenty-three restaurants located within the Port Lympia perimeter will benefit from 558,000 euros. Access to this area was then reserved for accredited conference participants.

Ten other establishments in the Port Lympia sector, whose activity had been interrupted or severely limited, will receive 125,000 euros. Nine restaurants and service establishments located around Palais Sarde will share 90,000 euros.

The calculation of compensation is based on the difference in turnover between the period in question in 2025 and the same period in 2024, with certification established by a chartered accountant.

These payments mark the final stage of a scheme awaited by Nice professionals. Several businesses had denounced the economic consequences of the significant security measures put in place when hosting this international summit.