Italy Court Rejects €13.5B Sicily Mainland Bridge Project

Italy's Court of Auditors has refused to approve the €13.5 billion plan to build a bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland, marking a significant setback for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government. The court's dual role in financial control and public accounting led to a decision that may delay or require a revision of the project, though it does not definitively block it. Meloni condemned the ruling as an "unacceptable interference" and vowed to continue pursuing the project, while Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini called the decision "a political choice rather than a serene technical judgment." The project, which has been proposed and halted multiple times since 1969 due to concerns over seismic risks, environmental impact, economic viability, and mafia influence, was expected to begin preliminary work in fall 2025 with completion projected by 2032-2033. The bridge would be nearly 3.7 kilometers long, making it the longest suspension bridge globally if constructed. The government faces a critical decision to either accept the ruling and revise plans or appeal and assume full liability for the project and any legal consequences.