Baltic officials reiterate dedication to Rail Baltica project, urging continuous EU financial support for its longevity.
In preparation for the upcoming gathering of Nordic and B9 transport ministers in Lithuania, the transport ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania convened in Vilnius on May 27. The summit saw the attending ministers - Kuldar Leis, Atis Švinka, and Eugenijus Sabutis - reiterating their shared resolve in advancing the Rail Baltica project.
In a joint statement, they emphasized their unwavering commitment to completing the initial phase of Rail Baltica by 2030, and simultaneously pledged to cooperate in the pursuit of additional European funding for the influential rail infrastructure project. The ministers highlighted its strategic value for military mobility and regional security.
Lithuania's Minister of Transport and Communications, Eugenijus Sabutis, underscored the significance of the project, declaring, "The European-gauge Rail Baltica project is of paramount importance to transportation connectivity, economic development, and, most importantly, security in the Baltic region. Together, we must ensure the project is completed by 2030."
The ministers contended that consistent and ample EU co-financing is indispensable for cross-border infrastructural projects of this scale. They emphasized the urgency for sustainable funding within the upcoming EU multiannual financial framework and the necessity of maintaining high co-financing rates for prompt implementation.
Concerns were expressed over the current funding model, which relies on periodic calls for proposals, as it lacks the predictability and financial security needed for long-term construction and planning. To support large-scale infrastructure like Rail Baltica, stable and predictable funding is crucial throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Minister Leis of Estonia further spotlighted Rail Baltica's strategic role in the context of European defense and security. "In light of the current security landscape, it is evident that we require infrastructure that fosters swift and efficient military mobility. Rail Baltica will be a cornerstone in facilitating the movement of allied forces and supplies along NATO's eastern flank," he stated.
In Latvia, with nearly 2 billion euros already invested in security and a trajectory toward 5 percent of GDP, Atis Švinka, the Minister of Transport, deemed Rail Baltica a vital component of Europe's strategic backbone. "At a time when our region experiences mounting geopolitical risks, Rail Baltica must be viewed as part of Europe's structural backbone. To achieve the expeditious delivery of this critical infrastructure, we rely upon dependable and continuous European aid commensurate with our collective commitments," he emphasized.
In conclusion, the Baltic ministers pledged to advocate for more effective mechanisms to support projects that cater to both civilian and military infrastructure needs in their dialogues with the European Commission and EU member states.
Background information:
Rail Baltica, a significant high-speed rail project in Europe and part of the Trans-European Transport Network, aims to increase connectivity, strengthen regional security, and spur economic growth in the Baltic states. The new railway will link Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with Poland, as well as indirectly with Finland, and wider European rail networks. Rail Baltica will boast a standard gauge of 1435 mm and ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) technology, adhering to European standards. With a design speed of 249 km/h, it will reduce travel times between the Baltic states and major European cities by more than half, providing a modern infrastructure for passenger, freight, and military mobility, promoting accessibility, and facilitating business, tourism, and cultural exchange. Rail Baltica is poised to establish the Baltic region as a vital link in European trade and cooperation.
- In an effort to further the Rail Baltica project, the ministers agreed to seek additional European funding, recognizing the importance of this high-speed rail infrastructure for both business and military purposes.
- Acknowledging the strategic value of Rail Baltica for economic development and military mobility in the Baltic region, the ministers advocated for stable and predictable EU funding to ensure the project's completion by 2030, fostering connectivity and cooperation within Europe.
