Rome, 13/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - The Italian parliament has removed the plan to build a bridge over the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the mainland of Italy via Calabria from the list of priority national construction projects. Following in the Senate's wake, the Italian chamber of deputies decided by 272 to 234 that the project was no longer a priority and the earmarked funding would be allocated to other projects. The authorities of the autonomous region of Sicily do not feel that the project has been shelved, however. Because it is no longer on the priority list, it will not receive state funding, but Sicily's governor, Mr Succaro, says that other funding might be found, including EU funding.
Some MEPs reacted in Brussels, given that the bridge in question forms part of the priority European rail link between Berlin, Verona, Milan, Bologna, Naples, Messina and Palermo. Monica Frassoni, Co-President of the Green group, said that the Italian government's decision did not mean any reduction in EU funding for transport infrastructure in Italy because the financial regulation covering it is still being discussed by the European Parliament and Council. The report by Karel Van Miert, EU coordinator for the rail corridor in question, focusses on the funding and construction of the Brenner Tunnel and does not mention the Strait of Messina. Orally, Van Miert explained that the bridge was a domestic Italian issue and any potential EU funding could not come from the structural funds already earmarked for the Calabria-Sicily area. (dt)