Rome: Italy's government is contemplating reclassifying a long-discussed £13.5 billion (approximately $14 billion) bridge to Sicily as a military project. This strategic move aims to align with NATO's new defense spending target of 5% of gross domestic product by 2035.

According to Anadolu Agency, Italy, which allocated just 1.49% of its GDP to defense in 2023, is under pressure to significantly increase military-related investments. The proposed bridge over the Strait of Messina, anticipated to be the world's longest suspension bridge, is envisioned to serve both civilian and strategic purposes. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini argue that the bridge would enhance NATO's military mobility, facilitating the rapid transfer of troops and equipment between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

"Infrastructure is also strategic from a security perspective in many ways," Salvini emphasized, confirming that the bridge could contribute to Italy's NATO commitments. A government report from April described the bridge as crucial for both public interest and "national and international security." Officials believe that classifying it as a defense-related asset could help overcome bureaucratic obstacles and secure new funding.

NATO guidelines stipulate that while only 3.5% of the target must be allocated to core defense, member states can dedicate up to 1.5% to strategic infrastructure-a loophole Italy may exploit. An Italian Treasury official indicated that such a designation could expedite the long-delayed project and minimize legal challenges from local authorities. Despite government enthusiasm, opposition figures have criticized the move. Giuseppe Antoci, a European Parliament member from the left-populist Five Star Movement, called the reclassification "a mockery of citizens and NATO commitments," warning that it could harm Italy's credibility.

Critics also question the project's rationale, pointing out that it connects Sicily and Calabria, two of Italy's poorest regions, where basic infrastructure remains inadequate. "The population suffers from inadequate water infrastructure, potholed roads, and underfunded hospitals," Antoci noted. Tajani has proposed naming the bridge after former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, a longtime advocate of the plan. Italy has requested the EU to include the bridge in its military mobility plans, although it currently lies outside NATO's designated military corridor. Final government approval for the project is anticipated in July.