- Italy has granted final approval for the construction of a bridge, set to be the world's longest single-span bridge, connecting Sicily to the mainland.
- The 13.5 billion euro project, sanctioned by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, is expected to begin preliminary works in September-October and be completed by 2032.
- The undertaking faces significant opposition from residents, with over 440 properties requiring expropriation, and environmental groups who have filed a complaint with the EU, citing ecological and seismic risks.
- Opponents are preparing legal challenges, though experts suggest blocking the project will be difficult as public interest typically outweighs private concerns in such cases.
- Supporters argue the bridge will boost the regional economy, while authorities have pledged safeguards against mafia involvement and assured the bridge's resilience to earthquakes.
IN FULL
Locals fight plans for Italy’s Sicily bridge that would be world’s longest
