Minister Sabutis and his Polish colleague discuss strategic transport and military mobility projects

Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications Eugenijus Sabutis met with Polish Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak in Warsaw on Thursday to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the transport and logistics sector. To improve transport links and military mobility, Lithuania and Poland agreed to jointly apply to the European Commission for European funding to make the Augustów-Vilnius route suitable for military mobility needs.

“Poland is an exceptionally important neighbour and strategic partner of Lithuania. We want to build on the good experience of our neighbour in creating and developing the Road fund in our country. Both countries are also seeking increased European funding for projects that improve transport and logistics across Central and Eastern Europe and contribute to the development of transport links with Ukraine. With the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we see a lot of potential for a breakthrough in this area,” said Minister of Transport and Communications Mr Sabutis.

The ministerial meeting focused on the implementation of Via Baltica, Rail Baltica and other transport projects fundamental to military mobility, emphasising the need to secure long-term financial support from the European Union (EU).

Mr Sabutis highlighted that the current geopolitical situation dictates the need for new, alternative transport corridors and infrastructure links between Lithuania and Poland. One such option is the development of the Alternative Suwalki Corridor through Augustów, Lazdijai, Alytus and Vilnius, which would strengthen logistics chains and military mobility. Mr Sabutis and his Polish colleague have agreed to submit a joint application for EU financial support for this this extremely important dual-use road connection, as Lithuania and Poland will send a joint letter to the European Commission.

It was also noted that the reconstruction of Via Baltica, one of Lithuania’s most important traffic arteries, from Marijampolė to the Lithuanian-Polish border is now in its final stage. During reconstruction, more than 28 km of the new motorway has been completed in Lithuania. Reconstruction works of the final 12 km section at the Polish border are due to be completed this year. In addition, design works are already underway on another section from Kaunas to the border with Latvia.

The Lithuanian and Polish transport ministers also discussed cooperation in the implementation of the Rail Baltica project, the reconstruction of Lithuanian-Polish cross-border roads and other topical issues in the transport sector. They discussed the possibility of launching a direct passenger train service between Kaunas and Warsaw as of 2028.

In a meeting with Krzysztof Gawkowski, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digitalisation, Mr Sabutis discussed the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and further cooperation in the telecommunications sector. Particular attention was paid to the protection of cables and communications infrastructure.

In order to implement the international 5G corridor, Lithuania is working closely with Poland to ensure high quality 5G connectivity on the road and rail corridors of the European network (Via Baltica and Rail Baltica). 

By the end of 2025, 5G connectivity should cover international land transport corridors and other highways, main railway lines, airports and seaports in Lithuania.