EU Expresses Concerns over Italy's Bridge Construction Proposal in Sicily due to Environmental Conundrums
The Italian government's ambitious plan to build a 3.6 kilometer (2.2 miles) bridge linking Sicily to the mainland has caught the attention of the European Union (EU). The Messina bridge project, a pet project of Matteo Salvini, the deputy prime minister, minister of transport, and infrastructure, was notified to Brussels in June.
The EU Commission has expressed concerns about the impact on animal habitats, compensation measures, and issues related to water, air, and noise. The European Commission has stated that all projects in Member States must abide by EU law regarding the Messina bridge project. In response, the EU has written a letter to the Italian government, requesting more information on the project's environmental impact.
The Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy is responsible for implementing the controversial 13.5 billion euro bridge project. The EU Commission considers environmental impact assessments, protection of local ecosystems, and compliance with EU environmental regulations as particularly relevant points for its approval. The Italian government has proposed these assessments, but the EU is still seeking clarification on several areas.
The project has faced resistance from Italy's political opposition and some resident groups, who argue that the bridge will destroy the landscape, have significant environmental effects, and provide no real benefit to the local economy. Hundreds of families may lose their properties once construction of the Messina bridge begins.
Despite the opposition and concerns, the Italian government approved the project in August. The government has targeted 2032 for the completion of the Messina bridge project. The European Commission is in touch with the Italian authorities about the project, and the Italian government has proposed measures to address potential shortcomings before granting development consent or initiating works.
The Italian environment ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the project, while Matteo Salvini's ministry declined to comment. The project is currently with the country's Court of Auditors, which is expected to give its opinion by November at the latest. The government has planned for work on the surrounding infrastructure, including railways and highways, to start after the approval from the Court of Auditors.
Any delay in addressing the EU's concerns could add to the timetable for the completion of the bridge linking Sicily and the mainland. Construction of the Messina bridge itself will begin after the completion of the surrounding infrastructure work. The project's future remains uncertain as the EU and Italian authorities continue their discussions and assessments.
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