Strait of Messina Bridge, CGIL writes to EU: "Block approval process"

Milan, May 28 (LaPresse) – "Dear Commissioner, the CGIL wishes to bring to your attention the serious technical, environmental, regulatory, and social issues connected to the approval process of the project regarding the ‘Permanent connection between Sicily and Calabria’ (Strait of Messina Bridge), recently submitted to the Commission through the IROPI report approved by the Council of Ministers. The report does not meet the necessary and sufficient conditions required by EU law and, therefore, in our opinion, cannot constitute a legally admissible basis to authorize the work." This is stated in a letter sent this morning by CGIL to the European Commissioner for the Environment, Jessika Roswall, signed by the confederal secretary Pino Gesmundo. The letter requests “a specific meeting to better clarify all aspects of the matter at hand.” According to CGIL, there is a lack of “adequate analysis of less impactful alternatives on the integrity of the Natura 2000 sites involved,” and there are no “reasons related to human health, public safety, or primary positive environmental effects.” Furthermore, CGIL claims the project shows an environmental assessment that is “incomplete and flawed,” with gaps inconsistent with European legislation and contradictory to the European strategy for zero-emission mobility.