Italy pushes ahead with Messina Strait bridge while NGOs warn of environmental risks

Transport Minister Matteo Salvini met with executives of Stretto di Messina SpA to review the project's compliance with EU environmental and public‑procurement rules. The ministries of Infrastructure and the Environment are preparing additional documentation for the European Commission to avoid any infringement procedure, building on the environmental approval granted for 2025. Officials said the dialogue with Brussels is proceeding positively and that the contract value limit of 50 % will be respected.

Environmental groups including Greenpeace Italy, Legambiente, LIPU and WWF organised a public meeting in Villa San Giovanni titled “L'ombra del Ponte sullo Stretto e la mobilità che non c’è”. They warned that the bridge would jeopardise sustainable mobility, marine and coastal habitats, and pose seismic and geotechnical risks. The groups also highlighted the financial exposure for the state and called for greater investment in rail infrastructure instead of the costly bridge project.