Overview
- The Corte dei Conti refused the required authorization after a hearing and said it will publish its written reasoning within 30 days.
- Deputy prime minister and transport minister Matteo Salvini postponed the planned November start to February while insisting the project will proceed.
- The €13.5 billion, 3.3 km road-and-rail suspension bridge would span the Strait of Messina, yet reviewers questioned financing, traffic forecasts, environmental and seismic safeguards, and compliance with EU rules.
- A key contention is the continued reliance on the Eurolink/Webuild contract despite major cost increases that could necessitate a new tender under EU law.
- The government is exploring a cabinet decision or a “higher public interest” designation to bypass the objections as opposition groups signal potential legal challenges.