Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed support for the long-delayed project to construct a bridge across Italy’s Strait of Messina, emphasizing the potential for it to symbolize economic cooperation between Japan and Italy. The 3.7-kilometer (2.3-mile) bridge, which would connect the Sicilian city of Messina with mainland Italy, involves a consortium led by Italy’s Webuild, Japan’s IHI, and Spain’s Sacyr.

Despite the multinational collaboration, the project has faced significant obstacles over the years. Environmental concerns and seismic risk assessments have fueled criticism, given the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes. Additionally, the initiative was suspended in 2012 amid an austerity drive by the Italian government, prompting the consortium to file a €700 million ($811 million) compensation claim contingent on the resumption of construction.

Speaking in Rome alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Takaichi expressed hope that the project would serve as a landmark of bilateral economic ties and highlighted Japan’s expertise as instrumental in advancing the bridge’s realization. The remarks came ahead of the leaders’ attendance at a Group of Seven summit in France.

Meloni’s administration has argued that improved transportation infrastructure is vital for stimulating economic growth in southern Italy, where Sicily currently relies on ferry services to connect to the mainland. The proposed bridge, estimated to cost around €13.5 billion, is seen by proponents as a means to better integrate the region’s economy.

However, progress remains uncertain. Italy’s Court of Auditors declined to endorse the project last year, raising questions about its compatibility with European Union competition regulations and pointing to discrepancies between the planned budget and the original 2005 tender, which was priced at approximately €3.8 billion.

Complicating matters further, prosecutors in Rome recently announced a corruption investigation related to the bridge project. This development has cast additional doubt on the government’s efforts to move forward with construction.

While the project holds strategic and economic significance for both Italy and Japan, the combination of financial, legal, and environmental challenges continues to hinder its advancement.