Priority question for written answer P-001529/2021 to the Commission Rule 138 Annalisa Tardino (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), Francesca Donato (ID), Stefania Zambelli (ID), Lucia Vuolo (ID) PE691.049v01-00.