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.

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 has finally approved a €13.5bn (£12bn) plan to build the world’s longest suspension bridge from the mainland to Sicily – an idea first envisaged by the ancient Romans – despite concerns funds will be siphoned off by the mafia.