Rail Baltica strategic Task Force meeting held in Brussels

The Rail Baltica Task Force convened on 16 September at the European Commission Directorate-General for Transport and Mobility in Brussels to review the progress and future direction of the Rail Baltica global project. 

The Task Force examined updates on the project from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Presentations highlighted significant milestones, current challenges, and forthcoming steps in the project's development. The participating states reaffirmed their commitment to building cross-border connections according to the planned timeline, aiming for completion by 2030. The long-term vision for Rail Baltica remains resolute, aiming to transform mobility in the region by providing alternative travel option for passengers and enhancing freight transport. Additionally, the new rail infrastructure will bolster strategic military mobility. A major focus of the meeting was the Implementing Decision, which will outline the legal framework for the Rail Baltica project as part of two Trans-European Network Transport Corridors.

Catherine Trautmann, European Coordinator for the North Sea–Baltic European Transport Corridor, welcomed the progress of the project and underscored the need for close cooperation among all project partners to accelerate the construction of the high-speed railway corridor stretching from North to South across the Baltic States and Poland. Catherine Trautmann added “This is a Baltic project and a European project. As 2030 gets closer, all participating countries and their governments need to be able to act swiftly to go forward together.”

“Ensuring the progress of the Rail Baltica project is of paramount importance, and we are deeply grateful for the strong support from the European Commission. The latest CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) financing provided to the project is the most generous support ever, representing a critical milestone in our development. However, many challenges remain, and overcoming them will require continued commitment and cooperation. EU support is vital to the success of this project, and we extend our sincere thanks for that ongoing partnership,” said Marko Kivila, Chairman of the Management Board in RB Rail AS.

In 2024, the project is gradually transitioning from the design phase to the construction phase. Active work is already underway in Estonia and Lithuania, and construction of the main line set to begin in Latvia later this year. By the end of 2024, Rail Baltica plans to award construction contracts for over 100 km in Estonia, while Lithuania prepares to issue tenders for sections between Kaunas and the Latvian border. Additionally, key system-wide procurements are progressing, including the final stages of the energy subsystems contract and the tender for control-command and signaling. 

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