The CEO of the Strait of Messina company, Pietro Ciucci, confirmed the updated cost estimate of €13.5 billion for the ambitious project, reflecting adjustments required by law. The bridge, intended to connect Sicily and Calabria, is part of one of Italy’s largest infrastructure investments. Despite promises of economic growth and development, the rising costs have triggered concerns about breaching EU spending limits, which cap additional costs at 50% of the original budget.
Giuseppe Busia, president of Italy’s National Anti-Corruption Authority (Anac), warned that the cost increase risks surpassing EU constraints and criticized the lack of transparency and comprehensive planning for the project. Busia also highlighted that no competitive tender was held for the construction, raising further doubts about governance and fiscal discipline.
The project is expected to begin preliminary activities in 2025, with the bridge scheduled to open for traffic by 2032. According to Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, the construction will generate 120,000 jobs and act as a “multiplier of development.” Salvini dismissed criticism of the project as ideological, emphasizing its importance for Italy’s global reputation and economic progress.
While proponents tout the economic benefits, the project has met resistance from environmentalists, local residents, and political critics. Opponents argue that funds should address more urgent issues, such as drought and water shortages in Sicily, rather than being funneled into what they deem a vanity project. Protests against the bridge have highlighted concerns about environmental impact, seismic risks, and the misallocation of public funds.
Angelo Bonelli, leader of the Green and Left Alliance, condemned the project’s rising costs and criticized the lack of public accountability, particularly regarding penalties for potential state withdrawal from the project.
Supporters claim that the bridge will yield long-term economic benefits. A study commissioned by Uniontrasporti and Openeconomics estimates that the project will contribute €23.1 billion to Italy’s GDP during construction and generate €10.3 billion in tax revenue. Additionally, 36,700 stable jobs are expected to emerge over time.
Webuild CEO Pietro Salini, whose company leads the Eurolink consortium for the project, argued that the bridge represents a historic investment that could position Italy as a global industrial power. Salini dismissed critics as uninformed and emphasized the bridge’s potential to bolster national pride and international visibility.
To facilitate project approval, the Italian government has proposed an amendment to the budget authorizing €6.1 billion in expenditure, sourced from the Fund for Development and Cohesion. Additional funds totaling €500 million are allocated for related infrastructure works between 2027 and 2030.
