Overview
- By denying the legitimacy visa and refusing registration of the August CIPESS resolution, the Court of Auditors has blocked publication in the Official Gazette and the opening of initial works.
- The court’s scrutiny focused on multi‑year funding coverage, traffic and revenue assumptions, compliance with environmental and seismic prescriptions, and compatibility with EU rules including the 50% cost‑increase threshold.
- Written motivations for the refusal will be issued within 30 days, leaving the project in procedural limbo until the reasoning is disclosed.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the move an overreach and Minister Matteo Salvini labeled it a political decision, while opposition leaders hailed a rule‑of‑law victory and threatened appeals to EU courts.
- Stretto di Messina and Webuild say they provided requested documentation and remain confident, noting more than 7,500 job applications already received, even as practical steps on the ground remain on hold.