Estonia receives prestigious European Railway Award

TALLINN - Estonia was presented with the European Railway Award in Brussels on Monday for its outstanding role in promoting European high-speed rail. Marten Kokk, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Climate, accepted the award at a formal ceremony.

The award recognizes a joint initiative by Estonia and ten other European Union member states. In 2025, these countries appealed to the European Commission to provide stronger political support and more secure funding for the development of high-speed rail.

"Developing high-speed rail is a strategic goal for us, as it strengthens the connectivity of Estonia and all of Europe. A fast and convenient railway increases security, supports tourism, and helps businesses reach new markets more easily. Rail is also one of the few modes of transport that can offer high capacity with a low environmental impact," said Marten Kokk, Secretary General of the Ministry of Climate. "Therefore, the more good rail connections Europe has, the easier it will be for people and goods to move, and the more efficiently the entire European economy will function."

The European Railway Award is the sector's highest honor, presented since 2007. It has previously recognized heads of state, major projects, and innovative solutions within the railway sector. The award is presented by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the Association of the European Rail Supply Industry (UNIFE).

This year's award ceremony took place at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, bringing together hundreds of representatives from Europe's transport and policy sectors. The event also featured discussions on the future of European rail policy, including the need for investment, the development of cross-border connections, and the role of rail in achieving climate goals and ensuring security.