European Commission adopts objectives for completion of Rail Baltic

TALLINN - The European Commission adopted an implementing decision on Wednesday, setting out the main milestones and deadlines for the completion of the cross-border infrastructure flagship project Rail Baltic.

This decision, unanimously supported by all member states, is an important step towards the full integration of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania into the European rail network by 2030. Rail Baltic will significantly improve connectivity within the European Union.

"Rail Baltic will make it easier for people to travel between the Baltic states and the rest of the EU. The EU will grow closer together in terms of leisure travel, economic development and our common security. In the current geopolitical situation, the construction of Rail Baltic is essential," Catherine Trautmann, the European Commission's coordinator for Rail Baltic, said.

Wednesday's decision is part of wider work to accelerate the implementation of cross-border projects under the revised Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) regulation, reinforcing the EU's commitment to seamless, sustainable and safe transport connections.

The entire region has a common goal of integrating into the European railway system. Finland has also recently announced its intention to adapt its track gauge to the European standard.