Rome, 1 April 2025
Stretto di Messina has responded to all the comments submitted by environmental associations today, reaffirming what has already been stated on several occasions. The Strait of Messina Bridge project was shelved by the Monti government in 2012, not for “technical reasons” but rather in connection with the well-known international economic situation at the end of 2012. Indeed, there is no “unresolved technical issue” related to either seismic or aerodynamic matters. Extensive studies have been carried out on migratory birds, and monitoring has been boosted with 24-hour radar campaigns. Regarding lighting of the Bridge, a system has been developed that reduces emissions while minimising the impact on birdlife.

In terms of social and economic repercussions, a cost-benefit analysis carried out in accordance with European and national guidelines has shown that building the Strait of Messina Bridge would make a substantial contribution to enhancement of collective wellbeing, by bringing significant net benefits to the national community, and improving economic and environmental aspects. Key summary indicators show an economic net present value (EVA) of €3.9 billion (updated in 2023) and an economic internal rate of return (IRR) of 4.51%, compared with investment costs amounting to €13.5 billion. Time saving is one of the main socio-economic benefits: 1 hour for light vehicles; 1.5 hours for heavy vehicles; 2 hours for trains. Overall, taking into account modal shifts towards rail, a reduction of approximately 12.8 million tonnes of C02 is estimated over the 2024-2063 timeframe.

The Environmental Impact Assessment Technical Committee issued a favourable opinion on the Final Design including 62 conditions, 60 of which are to be met on approval of the Detailed Design, and two after the Bridge has entered service. In general, these are requests for in-depth studies which, to a large extent, Stretto di Messina has already planned.

With regard to the approval procedure, no “disapplication of European regulations” has occurred. Communications are being prepared for submission to the Ministry of the Environment and the EU Commission, in accordance with the Habitats Directive, in relation to aspects of the Environmental Impact Assessment. Subsequently, all technical and contractual documentation will be submitted to CIPESS for approval, which will allow the Detailed Design and preparatory works to begin, as required by law.

With regard to the European significance of the project, Stretto di Messina participated in and won a European call for tenders – Connecting Europe Facility for Transport – which is open to all EU countries for the financing of transport infrastructure projects. In this context, the European Commission has highlighted the common interest in the project, given its capacity to impact all four of the TEN-T corridor objectives: cohesion, efficiency, sustainability and increased user benefits. It also assessed the positive socio-economic and environmental impacts of the project, reductions in travelling time, noise impact and polluting emissions, and the project’s capacity to enhance the accessibility and economic development of Calabria and Sicily by improving connections.

The funding granted, together with the Bridge’s inclusion in the Scandinavian-Mediterranean corridor by the European Council, highlights the project’s strategic role for Europe and Italy.