Rail Baltica and TELT strengthen partnership on sustainable and safe infrastructure development

RB Rail AS, the joint venture implementing the Rail Baltica global project, and Tunnel Euralpin Lyon-Turin (TELT), the promoter of the Lyon–Turin railway line, both key projects within the EU’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), have further strengthened their ongoing cooperation by signing an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the TELT’s Strategic Stakeholder Days on 27 October in Rome. 

As part of their ongoing collaboration, the two organisations have consistently shared best practices in areas such as health and safety, sustainability, community and stakeholder engagement, governance, and contract and programme management, as well as organised joint construction-site visits. 

Earlier this year, together with the Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT) and Canal Seine–Nord Europe, projects also co-signed a joint statement calling on the European Commission, the European Parliament, and EU Member States to maintain a strong, centrally managed approach to infrastructure funding under the Connecting Europe Facility III (CEF III). 

The previous memorandum, signed on 29 June 2022 during the Connecting Europe Days in Lyon, had reached its conclusion. Recognizing the success and value of their cooperation, both organisations have reaffirmed their shared commitment to continue exchanging knowledge and expertise as they advance two of Europe’s most strategic cross-border transport infrastructure projects – Rail Baltica, forming part of both the North Sea–Baltic and Baltic Sea –Black Sea –Aegean Sea Corridors, and the Lyon–Turin line on the Mediterranean Corridor. 

Building on a strong foundation of collaboration 

The renewed Memorandum of Understanding focuses on deepening the exchange of best practices in key areas such as environmental sustainability, workplace safety, operational readiness for large-scale, multimodal transport infrastructure. Both projects share a common ambition to advance Europe’s transition toward a greener, safer, and more connected transport network, fully aligned with the objectives of the EU Green Deal and TEN-T policy. 

“The collaboration between large-scale and complex infrastructure projects such as Lyon–Turin and Rail Baltica highlights the railway sector’s commitment to building a continental transport system for freight and passengers, capable of meeting the needs of European citizens and businesses with innovative and sustainable solutions” said Maurizio Bufalini, General director at TELT. 

“Rail Baltica and TELT are flagship examples of European cooperation in action,” said Marko Kivila, Chairperson of the Management Board and CEO at RB Rail AS. “This renewed memorandum reinforces our shared commitments. Our projects are not only transforming regional mobility but also strengthening Europe’s strategic connectivity and resilience.” 

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 TELT 

TELT is the Franco-Italian public promoter responsible for the construction and the management of the cross-border section of the Lyon-Turin freight and passenger rail link. The company is 50% owned by the Italian state, through Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS), and 50% by the French state. www.telt.eu