Italy Advances Sicily Bridge With Defense Spending Plan

Italy is advancing plans to build the world’s longest suspension bridge across the Strait of Messina, connecting the mainland to Sicily, with a projected cost between £11 billion and $16 billion. The government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is considering classifying part of the bridge’s budget as defense spending to help meet NATO’s 5% GDP defense expenditure target by 2035, citing potential military logistics benefits. This approach could ease funding and bureaucratic hurdles and help justify the project amid concerns over military outlays. Supporters highlight the bridge's potential to reduce reliance on ferries, cut travel times, and create jobs in Sicily. Critics, however, raise environmental concerns and argue that funds may be better spent on existing infrastructure. The proposal's acceptance as a defense expenditure and its alignment with NATO's strategic priorities remain under discussion.