26It is to be noted first of all that, since the authority must refuse to authorise the plan or project being considered where uncertainty remains as to the absence of adverse effects on the integrity of the site, the authorisation criterion laid down in the second sentence of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive integrates the precautionary principle and makes it possible to prevent in an effective manner adverse effects on the integrity of protected sites as a result of the plans or projects being considered. A less stringent authorisation criterion than that in question could not ensure as effectively the fulfilment of the objective of site protection intended under that provision (Case C‑127/02 Waddenvereniging et Vogelbeschermingsvereniging EU:C:2004:482, paragraphs 57 and 58, and Sweetman and Others EU:C:2013:220, paragraph 41).
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