Government postpones decision on redistributing EU funds from failed train procurement

  • 2012-10-17
  • From wire reports

RIGA - The Latvian government did not vote on redistributing the European Union’s funds from the failed train procurement for other purposes in the transport sector as previously expected.
The decision was postponed at the request of Reform Party members. The matter will be repeatedly reviewed by the Coalition Council.

100 million lats (142.3 million euros) of EU funds were set aside for the train procurement. The Transport Ministry has recommended redistributing the funds for developing the East-West railway corridor’s infrastructure, the high-speed railroad project “Rail Baltica,” airport infrastructure, highways and roads.

According to the ministry’s accompanying letter, taking into account that all project activities should be completed by August 31, 2015, an instant decision is required regarding the country’s further actions with the EU funds, ensuring that they are fully absorbed.