Priority question for written answer P-001529/2021 to the Commission Rule 138 (ID), Anna Bonfrisco (ID)

Subject: Bridge over the Strait of Messina – priority and funding

The following premises should be taken into account as regards the above issue:

– the advancement of existing corridors, as set out in the TEN-T Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013;

– the importance of the whole of the Scandinavia–Mediterranean corridor, which runs throughout Italy and needs a solution to ensure continuity for Sicily;

– the importance of connecting Sicily to the rest of the continent, especially in view of the connectivity difficulties which affect all modes;

– the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the recent agreement between Parliament and Council on the CEF;

In addition, the following considerations should be taken into account:

– rail transport would constitute an important alternative to other, more polluting modes, and would thus be in line with the objectives of the Green Deal;

– the link would have a significant impact on trade, tourism and employment;

– the Commission plans to publish the revision of the corridors in the third quarter of 2021;

In view of the above:

1. Does the Commission consider the ‘Bridge over the Strait of Messina’ project to be important and a priority for the corridor as a whole?

2. Does it intend to include and boost the priority of this project and similar projects to connect islands in the upcoming TEN-T review?

3. Which instruments does the Commission consider most appropriate to finance the work under the MFF (CEF, ERDF, InvestEU, etc.) and NGEU, within the time limits allowed?

Supporters1

1 This question is supported by Members other than the authors: Marco Campomenosi (ID), (ID), (ID), (ID)

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