Key facts
- Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi supports the Messina Strait Bridge project.
- The project involves Italian, Japanese, and Spanish companies.
- The bridge project has faced numerous delays and criticisms.
- Concerns include environmental impact, earthquake risks, and EU competition rules.
- A corruption probe has been opened by Rome prosecutors.
- The estimated cost of the bridge is around €13.5 billion.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has voiced support for the long-delayed project to build a bridge across Italy's Strait of Messina, emphasizing the potential for bilateral cooperation and the involvement of Japanese companies. During a visit to Rome, Takaichi expressed hope that the project would soon get underway and serve as a landmark of economic ties between the two nations, suggesting Japan's expertise could aid its realization.
The ambitious 3.7-km bridge project, connecting Sicily to mainland Italy, is led by the Eurolink consortium, which includes Italy's Webuild, Japan's IHI, and Spain's Sacyr. However, it has been plagued by years of setbacks. Criticisms have focused on potential environmental harm and risks in an earthquake-prone region. The project was halted in 2012 as part of a government austerity drive, leading the consortium to file a €700 million compensation claim, which would be withdrawn if work resumes.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government views improved infrastructure as crucial for economic growth in southern Italy. Despite this, the project's commencement remains uncertain. Italy's Court of Auditors has previously withheld approval, citing concerns over compliance with European Union competition rules and the significant discrepancy between the original 2005 tender price of €3.8 billion and the current estimated cost of €13.5 billion. Further complicating matters, Rome prosecutors recently launched a corruption probe into the bridge, casting additional doubt on its future.