Focus

A bridge too far in Italy? Scepticism over planned link between Sicily and mainland

The Italian government has approved the construction of a suspension bridge between the island of Sicily and the mainland. It would be 3,300 metres long and 400 metres high. The bridge has been designed to allow nearly 140,000 vehicles to cross it every day. This colossal project, estimated to cost €13.5 billion, has been presented by Rome as a strategic asset for NATO defence. But the initiative has received much criticism – those who oppose the plan see it as a costly waste of public funds. Our Italy correspondents Natalia Mendoza, Tommaso Marro and Charlotte Davan Wetton report.

Moldovan parliamentary elections: Inside the pro-Russian region of Gagauzia

Moldovans head to the polls for parliamentary elections on Sunday September 28, less than a year after a presidential race marred by accusations of Russian interference and a closely contested referendum on EU membership. Sunday's vote could reshape Moldova's geopolitical future, as President Maia Sandu's pro-European PAS party risks losing its majority to populist or pro-Kremlin forces. Across Moldova, Moscow's propaganda continues to shape public opinion – especially in the Russian-speaking autonomous region of Gagauzia. FRANCE 24's Maria Gerth-Niculescu reports.

Food delivery takes flight: In Dublin, drones are bringing orders to customers

Have you ever seen a pizza fly? Well, in Dublin, they do! Drones are changing the way we get food delivered, straight from the sky to our doorstep. Convenient for customers and food businesses, they're loathed by residents who are not impressed by the constant buzzing over their heads. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Aurore Dupuis.

In Arctic region of Svalbard, scientists study impact of climate change on polar bears

Some 300 polar bears live in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. But with sea ice rapidly receding due to climate change, researchers are trying to understand how the animals are adapting. FRANCE 24's Olivier Morin, Matthew Kay and Solenn Marcoux report.

Pakistan-India: In Punjab, flooding sparks anger among residents

Since late June, unusually heavy monsoon rains have hit northern India and Pakistan, killing hundreds of people. The worst-hit province is Punjab, where nearly 4 million people have been displaced. Climate change is mainly to blame. But the floods have also been worsened by the opening of dams in India. FRANCE 24's Shahzaib Wahlah reports from Pakistan.