** Italy’s Cipess committee has granted definitive approval for the controversial Messina Strait Bridge project, marking a pivotal moment after decades of false starts, legal challenges, and fierce debate. The green light allows plans to connect Sicily and Calabria to advance to the construction phase, with initial work slated to begin this autumn and the bridge projected to open within 7-8 years.
Infrastructure Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini hailed the decision, announcing the structure will be “the world’s longest single-span bridge.” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called it “a fundamental milestone for this government’s action,” emphasizing the project’s strategic national importance. “This isn’t an easy undertaking, but we believe it is an investment in Italy’s present and future,” Meloni stated, thanking Salvini and envisioning “a more connected and cohesive Italy.”
Salvini expressed deep satisfaction at the unprecedented approval, citing secured funding (€13.5 billion from the 2024 budget) and claimed territorial consensus. He anticipates construction and land expropriations starting between September and October, targeting an opening between 2032 and 2033. While praising cross-party collaboration, Salvini acknowledged procedural steps remain, including publication in the Official Gazette and approval by the Court of Auditors.
The ambitious engineering project features a 3.3-kilometer single span supported by twin 400-meter towers, accommodating six highway lanes (three per direction) and two railway tracks. Salvini also announced plans for a “Strait Metro” on the Sicilian side, serving commuters in the 400,000-resident area.
Proponents tout significant time savings: an estimated 2.5 hours for trains and 1.5 hours for cars. The Stretto di Messina company projected a base car toll “under €10,” with discounts for frequent users, claiming this would be “significantly lower than current crossing costs.” However, consumer group Codacons countered that tolls would still be 3,540% higher than average Italian motorway fees.
The approval faces strong opposition. Environmental NGOs, unions like CGIL, the Five Star Movement (M5S), and the Democratic Party (PD) decry it as a “colossal waste of public money,” a “genuine gamble,” and a project that “will devastate entire territories” while diverting funds from essential infrastructure. Avs co-leader Angelo Bonelli has already filed a challenge with the EU. Local leaders are divided: Messina’s mayor welcomed an “important step,” while Villa San Giovanni’s mayor warned of “risking the city’s survival.”
Meanwhile, the European Commission confirmed it is “scrutinizing documentation” received from Italy on June 11th regarding compliance with the EU Habitats Directive protecting biodiversity. A Commission spokesperson stated it will “evaluate in due course whether and how to react.” The notification included the environmental impact assessment, reasons of overriding public interest, and proposed compensatory measures. The Commission added that any potential dual civilian-military designation for the bridge “is for Rome to evaluate.”