Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000343/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Pasquale Tridico (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Mario Furore (The Left), Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Ignazio Roberto Marino (Verts/ALE), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Lucia Annunziata (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Nicola Zingaretti (S&D), Giuseppe Antoci (The Left), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D)
There are concerns that the bridge due to be built over the Strait of Messina, included in the TEN-T network, does not comply with EU legislation, in particular Directive 2011/92/EU on environmental impact assessments and Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats. Issues include a lack of technical studies on seismic risks, coastal erosion and disruptions in Natura 2000 areas, the need for derogating authorisations, and doubts over the project’s economic viability.
The local authorities point to the risk of the bridge not being completed, the socio-economic impacts on communities and the lack of transparency. The phased construction could result in public resources being frittered away and give rise to territorial imbalances, contrary to the EU’s strategy of territorial continuity.
In view of the above:
- 1.Given the presence of seismic faults, especially the active ‘Cannitello’ fault, and the absence of any specific studies on coastal erosion, has the Commission verified whether the project complies with the EU directives?
- 2.Do the environmental impact assessment / strategic environmental assessment requirements ensure compliance with environmental laws, and what steps will it take to monitor transparency, the involvement of local communities and protection of the rights of the citizens involved, including expropriated citizens?
- 3.Has it been consulted regarding the use of EU funds, and what is its view of the project’s cost-effectiveness in comparison to other options that could better ensure both territorial continuity and compatibility with the objectives of the Green Deal?
Submitted: 27.1.2025