Siliņa pointed out that Estonia and Latvia have their own challenges both in defense and in the economy, so both countries should look for ways to build the “Rail Baltica” line while also reducing spending.
Mihails pointed out that clarity on how to ensure the operational capacity of the “Rail Baltica” railway line until 2030 is very important in order to find further funding from various EU and other financial sources.
In response to the question whether Estonia is not worried that even if it succeeds in building the entire rail infrastructure of “Rail Baltica” to Latvia by 2030, that it will not be done on the Latvian side, Mihails stated that in the conversation with Silina, he received confirmation that Latvia will do everything to build the basic track of “Rail Baltica” by 2030.
He also emphasized that Latvia and Estonia will work together to find additional sources of funding for the project. He pointed out that construction will have started on a third of the track in Estonia by the end of the year, and half of it has already been covered by contracts.
“In Estonia, the builders of “Rail Baltica” have said that they will make it [Latvijas] to the border before 2030, and at that moment we may stop at the border, but we will not wait long, because the Latvian state has said that this connection will be built by 2030,” said the Estonian Prime Minister.
He added that both countries, despite the tight budget situation, have been looking for additional funds for the project and are cooperating very closely.
Siliņa added that it is important for both countries to establish a connection between Scandinavia and Western Europe, as well as to connect the three Baltic states. She pointed out that the Baltic countries have agreed that there will be more organizational coordination both at the level of the prime ministers’ offices and at the level of the ministers of transport and foreign affairs.
The head of the Latvian government stated that Latvia will definitely not be able to build “Rail Baltica” earlier than 2030. “We don’t have that kind of wind from our builders at the moment, but it is important for us that we introduce clarity into the common management model of Rail Baltica, of course, by saving as much as possible,” said Siliņa.
The Prime Minister of Latvia pointed out that the EU has not refused to finance the “Rail Baltica” single line, but on the contrary – has always been very supportive. “We also need to show progress in practical activities. The contracts have been concluded, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the framework agreement for the construction of this line, the design is underway, so I think there are no concerns,” said Siliņa.
The Prime Minister of Estonia agreed that additional funds for “Rail Baltica” should be found from EU funds, as it is a very critically important infrastructure facility in the EU, both in terms of connectivity and security.
It has already been reported that according to the research report on the situation of the “Rail Baltica” project carried out by the highest audit institutions of the Baltic States, there is currently no clarity about the operation and management model of the “Rail Baltica” railway line.
According to the data of the latest analysis of costs and benefits of “Rail Baltica”, the total costs of the railway line in the Baltics can reach 23.8 billion euros, including the costs of the first phase of the project in the Baltics could be 15.3 billion euros, of which 6.4 billion euros in Latvia. In the previous cost-benefit analysis in 2017, it was estimated that the project would cost a total of 5.8 billion euros.
In Latvia, the construction of the main line of “Rail Baltica” is planned to start in 2024.
The “Rail Baltica” project envisages the creation of a railway line of European standard gauge from Tallinn to the border of Lithuania and Poland, so that it would be possible to connect the Baltic states with other European countries by rail. In the Baltic States, it is planned to build a new, 870-kilometer-long railway line of European gauge (1435 millimeters) with a maximum train speed of 240 kilometers per hour.
Time.news Interview: The Future of Rail Baltica with Expert Mihails
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we have an insightful conversation lined up with Mihails, an expert on Baltic infrastructure projects. We’ll be discussing the ambitious “Rail Baltica” initiative that aims to connect Estonia, Latvia, and beyond. Mihails, thank you for joining us today!
Mihails: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such an important project for the Baltic region.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. We know that both Estonia and Latvia face unique challenges in their defense and economic sectors. How can these issues impact the progress of Rail Baltica?
Mihails: That’s an excellent question. Both countries must prioritize their spending, which can sometimes lead to difficult decisions regarding large infrastructure projects like Rail Baltica. However, this also encourages innovative approaches to financing and resource allocation. We are actively seeking to build this vital connection while being fiscally responsible.
Editor: Speaking of funding, you touched on the importance of operational capacity for Rail Baltica by 2030. Why is this deadline so critical?
Mihails: The clarity on operational capacity by 2030 is essential for attracting further funding, not only from the EU but also from various international sources. To ensure that we can secure the necessary financial backing, we need to demonstrate our plans and commitments clearly.
Editor: Estonia is moving forward with its part of the project, but there are concerns about Latvia’s progress. What assurances do we have that Latvia will complete its segment by 2030?
Mihails: I recently spoke with Prime Minister Siliņa, and she assured me of Latvia’s commitment to building the basic track of Rail Baltica by 2030. It’s a priority for both countries, and we are working together to make it happen.
Editor: Collaboration between Estonia and Latvia seems crucial. Can you tell us more about how both countries are coordinating their efforts?
Mihails: Absolutely. Both nations are looking for additional funding and are in close cooperation. We’ve already commenced construction on about a third of the track in Estonia, and as of now, half of the necessary contracts are secured. Our joint efforts are not just about completing the tracks but also establishing robust connections between Scandinavia and Western Europe.
Editor: Prime Minister Siliņa mentioned a need for organizational coordination. What does that entail at the governmental level?
Mihails: It involves enhanced communication and planning between the prime ministers’ offices and the ministries responsible for transportation and foreign affairs. By working in unison, we can streamline our strategies and optimize our resources to tackle the challenges we face.
Editor: Let’s talk about progress. You mentioned that the EU has been supportive of the Rail Baltica project. Can you elaborate on that?
Mihails: Yes, the EU has consistently backed the Rail Baltica initiative. They understand its significance in connecting the Baltic countries and enhancing regional mobility. However, we must show tangible progress, which involves administrative steps, contract agreements, and community engagement.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a strong will to succeed, despite budgetary constraints and construction challenges. What would you like to see in the next few years regarding Rail Baltica?
Mihails: I would love to see both countries make significant strides in construction and eventually achieve our goal of connectivity by 2030. Building a strong and functional rail link is not just about transport; it’s about fostering regional unity and collaboration, which is essential for economic growth.
Editor: Mihails, thank you for sharing your insights on this significant project. It will be fascinating to see how Rail Baltica evolves over the coming years and how it impacts the Baltic region as a whole.
Mihails: Thank you for having me. I am optimistic about the future of Rail Baltica and the cooperation between Estonia and Latvia!
Editor: And thank you to our readers for tuning in. We’ll keep you updated on this and other important topics affecting the Baltic area and beyond.