PM Meloni's coalition hailed the project as an economic boost, while critics worry about its impact and cost, which comes in at over €13 billion. If completed, the bridge would be the world's longest.

Italy's government gave final approval on Wednesday to the construction of what will be the world's longest single-span bridge, linking Sicily to the mainland, despite environmental, financial and other concerns that have delayed it for decades.

Italy has given the green light to a long-debated infrastructure project: a €13.5 billion ($15.7 billion) suspension bridge that will connect Sicily to the Italian mainland, marking a significant step forward in a plan that has languished for decades.