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last mo.

U.S. Rejects Italy’s Bid to Count Messina Bridge Toward NATO Spending

Rome says the €13.5 billion project is fully state‑funded, forcing ministries to seek other paths to meet the 5% pledge.

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Overview

  • U.S. NATO ambassador Matthew Whitaker warned against “creative” accounting and said allied claims will face monitoring under new oversight mechanisms.
  • Italy’s Infrastructure Ministry stated the Strait of Messina bridge is entirely financed with national resources and that no NATO funds are planned.
  • The NATO goal is split between 3.5% for direct defense and 1.5% for security and infrastructure, which Italy had explored to classify the bridge as “dual use.”
  • The U.S. stance creates a budget problem for the Treasury and Defence in meeting the 5% target without reclassifying large civilian works.
  • Domestically, the project has CIPESS approval but still requires Corte dei Conti endorsement and faces legal challenges and local environmental opposition.