Rail Baltica is seen as crucial for military mobility by the Baltic residents

A recent Baltic survey reveals that a significant number of residents recognize the importance of the Rail Baltica project for enhancing military mobility and national security in the region. 60% of respondents in Latvia, 52% in Estonia, and 72% in Lithuania believe that military mobility is the most important reason for the construction of this high-speed mainline connecting the three Baltic states with Poland and the wider EU transport corridor. 

The data shows that 68% of Baltic residents view Rail Baltica as a major step toward EU integration, comparable to the euro adoption. Also the project's military significance resonates strongly across the region, with 67% of respondents agreeing that Rail Baltica is crucial for NATO operations. This sentiment is particularly pronounced in Lithuania at 78%, while Latvia and Estonia show similar levels of support at 62% and 60%.

"The project started as a sustainability initiative primarily focusing on moving passengers and goods, but Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has changed what it means. Now, it is not just about that – it is also a way to show EU solidarity with its easternmost members and to help reroute goods in a region where trade routes have been thrown off course. These results demonstrate that people in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia understand the strategic importance of Rail Baltica beyond its civilian transportation benefits," said Kitija Gruškevica, Member of RB Rail AS Management Board. "As a modern, high-speed rail connection to Europe, Rail Baltica will significantly enhance our ability to rapidly move military personnel and equipment when needed."

The survey reveals strong support across the Baltic states for the idea that improving military mobility through Rail Baltica will enhance security. In Latvia, 69% of men and 74% of women agree with this statement, with the highest support among young people aged 18-24 (83%). In Lithuania, agreement is even stronger, with 85% of men and 89% of women expressing support, particularly in the 25-35 age group (91%). In Estonia, 69% of men and 73% of women agree, with support highest among 18-24-year-olds (83%).

Nevertheless, political accountability emerges as a key concern, with 67% of respondents attributing project delays to indecisive politicians. This view is most prevalent in Lithuania (74%), with Latvia and Estonia showing similar levels of agreement at 64% and 62% respectively.

Rail Baltica public opinion and awareness survey was conducted in cooperation with the research agency Norstat in December 2024, surveying 1006 respondents in Latvia, 1008 respondents in Estonia and 1007 respondents in Lithuania aged 18 to 75. 

About Rail Baltica 

Rail Baltica is one of Europe's largest high-speed infrastructure projects, aiming to establish a modern and sustainable rail link that connects the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with the European rail network. It is also a part of the trans-European transport corridor.

Rail Baltica will be a fully electrified, double-track railway with a standard gauge of 1435 mm and will be equipped with ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) and designed to meet European standards. With a design speed of 249 km/h, Rail Baltica will significantly reduce travel times between the Baltic States and major European cities. It will serve as a modern infrastructure for passenger, freight, and military mobility, promoting accessibility and facilitating business, tourism, and cultural exchange. Additionally, the project will enhance the Baltic region's position as a vital transit hub, fostering stronger trade connections and promoting regional cooperation.

About RB Rail AS 

RB Rail AS is a multinational joint venture of 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. More about Rail Baltica global project: www.railbaltica.org