Ahead of the Nordic and B9 transport ministers' meeting in Lithuania, the Baltic transport ministers – Estonia’s Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis, Latvia’s Minister of Transport Atis Švinka, and Lithuania’s Minister of Transport and Communications Eugenijus Sabutis – met on 27 May in Vilnius to reaffirm their shared commitment to the Rail Baltica project.
In a joint statement issued during the meeting, the ministers reiterated their determination to complete the first phase of Rail Baltica by the end of 2030 and agreed to jointly pursue additional European funding for the project, emphasizing its strategic significance for military mobility and regional security.
“The implementation of the European-gauge Rail Baltica project is of particular importance for transport connectivity, economic development, and – most importantly – security in the Baltic region. That is why it is essential that we work together to ensure the project is completed by 2030,” said Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania, Eugenijus Sabutis.
The ministers underscored that stable and sufficient EU co-financing is essential for cross-border infrastructure projects of this magnitude. They highlighted the need for sustainable funding within the next EU multiannual financial framework and the importance of maintaining high co-financing rates to ensure timely implementation.
They also expressed concern that the current funding model, which relies on annual calls for proposals, lacks the predictability and financial security required to support long-term construction and planning. For large-scale infrastructure like Rail Baltica, stable and predictable funding is critical throughout the entire project cycle.
The ministers further emphasized the strategic role of Rail Baltica in the context of European defence and security.
"Given today's security situation, it is clear that we need infrastructure that enables rapid and efficient military mobility. Rail Baltica will play a central role in ensuring the movement of allied forces and supplies across NATO's eastern flank," said Minister of Infrastructure of Estonia, Kuldar Leis.
“Latvia is making significant national investments in security, with nearly 2 billion euros already committed and a trajectory toward 5 percent of GDP. At a time when our region faces growing geopolitical risks, Rail Baltica must be treated as part of Europe’s strategic backbone. To deliver this critical infrastructure on time, we rely on predictable and sustained European support that matches the scale of our shared commitments,” emphasized Minister of Transport of Latvia, Atis Švinka.
The ministers called on the European Commission and EU member states to explore more effective mechanisms to support projects that serve both civilian and military infrastructure needs.
About Rail Baltica
Rail Baltica is one of the largest high-speed rail projects in Europe and is part of the Trans-European Transport Network. It aims to improve connectivity, strengthen regional security and support economic growth in the Baltic states. The new railway will link Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with Poland and, indirectly, with Finland, as well as with the broader European rail network.
Rail Baltica will be fully electrified with a standard gauge of 1435 mm and it will be equipped with ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System). It has been designed to meet European standards. With a design speed of 249 km/h, Rail Baltica will reduce travel times between the Baltic states and major European cities by more than half. It will serve as a modern infrastructure for passenger, freight and military mobility, promoting accessibility and facilitating business, tourism and cultural exchange. Rail Baltica will help establish the Baltics as a key link in European trade and cooperation.
About RB Rail AS
RB Rail AS is a multinational joint venture between Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania established to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Rail Baltica Global Project, the first infrastructure development project of this scale in the Baltic region. Find out more about the Rail Baltica global project at www.railbaltica.org
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