Italy's Strait of Messina bridge project under technical and political scrutiny

Strait of Messina bridge technical flaws European Commission Council of Public Works Salvini

A series of Italian civil‑society groups, politicians and the European Commission have raised concerns about the proposed Strait of Messina bridge. The association “Invece del Ponte” listed six unresolved technical issues, including the active “Faglia Cannitello” fault beneath the Calabrian pier, an over‑optimistic navigation clearance, excessive structural damping, flutter risk and rotation limits far beyond Italian standards. The group warned that a favourable opinion from the Council of Public Works could be misleading if these nodes remain unresolved.

Politicians have also criticised the process. Democratic Party deputy Anthony Barbagallo accused the government of reshaping the Council of Public Works into a “yes‑man” for Minister Matteo Salvini, jeopardising its independence. Meanwhile, the European Commission confirmed it is in dialogue with Italy about the original contract, stating that modifications are permissible provided the cost increase does not exceed 50 % of the original value and EU procurement and environmental rules are respected. The Commission stressed that any substantial change must meet the conditions of Directive 72 on public contracts.

Both the technical and political pressures suggest that the bridge’s definitive approval will depend on resolving the identified engineering flaws and ensuring the oversight bodies remain autonomous.

Entities: Abruzzo Region · Anthony Barbagallo · Centre‑right majority · Council of Public Works · European Commission · Marsilio government · Matteo Salvini · Regional Council of Abruzzo · Silvio Paolucci · Strait of Messina bridge

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The 2026 budget adjustment for Abruzzo does not include tax relief for citizens. (Silvio Paolucci)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Silvio Paolucci will request accountability for each spending line in the regional council. (Silvio Paolucci)
[○ 1 SOURCE] An additional €8.7 million is allocated for refinancing in the Abruzzo budget adjustment. (Silvio Paolucci)
[○ 1 SOURCE] €16.9 million is earmarked to cover off‑budget debt in the Abruzzo budget adjustment. (Silvio Paolucci)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The budget increase includes an IRPEF rise to cover the health deficit. (Silvio Paolucci)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The budget allocates funds for events such as Notte dei Serpenti, Festival Dannunziano, Film Commission d'Abruzzo, Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona and Trofeo Matteotti. (Silvio Paolucci)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The total budget adjustment for 2026 amounts to about €43 million. (Silvio Paolucci)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The centre‑right majority is blocking nearly €17 million to cover off‑budget debt. (Silvio Paolucci)