Italy’s largest trade union, CGIL, has asked the European Commission to block the Messina Bridge project. In a letter to Commissioner Jessika Roswall, CGIL said the Italian government’s approval process ignored key environmental and legal standards.
The letter, signed by confederal secretary Pino Gesmundo, said the government’s IROPI report fails to meet EU legal standards. “The report does not satisfy the conditions required by Community law,” CGIL wrote to Commissioner for the Environment, Jessika Roswall.
The union requested a formal meeting and urged the Commission to suspend the authorisation process immediately.
CGIL argued that the project does not meet the strict requirements for a derogation from the EU Habitats Directive. Such derogations allow harmful projects only in rare cases, such as those related to human health or public safety.
CGIL said no alternative options were properly analysed and called the environmental assessment “incomplete and flawed.” The union criticised gaps in the plan that contradict EU zero-emission goals and threaten protected Natura 2000 sites.
It also raised security concerns, calling the bridge’s classification as “military infrastructure” unsubstantiated and risky. Over a million residents in the area could face greater danger in the event of conflict, CGIL warned.
Methodological flaws in the project
The union also cited ISPRA, Italy’s environmental research agency, which found major methodological flaws in the project process.
Gesmundo condemned the government’s reliance on legal shortcuts under the guise of “imperative public interest.” He noted that President Mattarella had recently blocked a separate attempt to bypass anti-mafia rules for the bridge.
“European institutions must ensure the rigorous enforcement of environmental law,” the letter concluded.
Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini said construction could start by the end of summer if final approval is granted in June. The Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) will decide on the green light.
Webuild CEO Pietro Salini said the suspension bridge will be the world’s longest and finished by 2032.
The total project, including roads, rail links, new stations and a business hub, is expected to cost €13.5 billion.
Critics say the plan poses significant environmental risks and could waste public money. Supporters argue the bridge will boost southern Italy’s economy and improve transport links.
