05.11.2024
Rail Baltica Joint Venture RB Rail AS announced the signing of two new contracts with the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which will significantly accelerate the implementation of the Rail Baltica project. The funding includes EUR 1,394 billion, of which approximately EUR 1,163 billion will come from the CEF and EUR 231 million from co-financing from the three Baltic States, representing the largest funding provided in this financial period and one of the largest grants among EU infrastructure projects of similar importance. This investment will support key activities to advance the construction of the Rail Baltica main line. The results of the last CEF application round were published in summer 2024.
"The large-scale funding for Rail Baltic shows the importance of the project at the European Union level. In order to secure the necessary funding from the next budget period, we must maintain a rapid construction pace and show that the Baltic states are jointly committed to the goal of completing the project by the end of 2030. Construction has started at a rapid pace in Estonia - to date, the Estonian part of the main route has been covered by contracts or is already under construction for 65 kilometers. We hope to also set an example for our southern neighbors with a rapid construction pace," said Estonian Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet.
“EU support has been key for the three Baltic States in turning the ambitious vision of Rail Baltica into a tangible reality, and this funding is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in a connected, more resilient and united Europe,” said Marko Kivila, interim CEO of RB Rail AS. “The project is now preparing to submit an application for the final funding call for the current financial period (2021-2027) and is working closely with national partners across the Baltics to secure a strong position in the upcoming EU budget negotiations.”
In Estonia, funding has been allocated for the construction of the main route, including embankment construction works on the sections Soodevahe–Kangru, Kangru–Saku, Harjumaa (including the Lagedi junction/viaduct) and Hagudi–Alu. Additional works are planned on the sections Saku–Harju/Rapla border, Alu–Kärpla and Kärpla–Selja. In Estonia, approximately 58 kilometres of the main route have received funding, of which CEF funding accounts for approximately EUR 352 million and national sources for EUR 88 million, for a total of approximately EUR 440 million.
In Latvia, the main priority is the construction of the main line from Misa to the Latvian-Lithuanian border, with an additional 27 km section financed. Funding has also been allocated for construction supervision, the construction of a high-voltage connection point in Iecava and the establishment of the Skulte Infrastructure Maintenance Centre, which will serve as a construction logistics base for the development of the main line towards Estonia. In addition, funds have been allocated for the acquisition of real estate on the Skulte section and the relocation of the gas pipeline on the Vangaži-Misa section. Under this CEF funding, Latvia has received approximately EUR 337,6 million from the CEF and EUR 59,5 million in national co-financing, for a total of EUR 397 million.
In Lithuania, funding is targeted at 36,7 km of embankment works on the Ramygala–Berčiūnai and Berčiūnai–Joniškeli sections near the LT/LV border, including high-voltage connection points at the Panevėžys, Išorai and Liudvinava Rail Baltica substations, and 69 km of rail installation on the Kaunas–Panevėžys–LT/LV state border section. Lithuania has received around €450 million from the CEF and €79 million in national co-financing, totalling around €529 million for these construction activities.
In addition, the design of the electrification subsystems of Rail Baltica and the overall solutions for various railway systems have been funded. Current activities also partly include supervision services and construction work assessments, focusing on, for example, reviews by certified bodies (NoBo) and assessment bodies (AsBo), systems engineering, risk management, progress reporting and project management. A total of approximately EUR 28,8 million has been allocated for global project activities, of which EUR 24,5 million comes from CEF and EUR 4,3 million from national contributions.
From Rail Baltica
Rail Baltica is one of Europe's largest high-speed rail infrastructure projects, aiming to create a modern and sustainable rail connection connecting Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to the European rail network. It is part of the Pan-European Transport Corridor.
Rail Baltica will be a fully electrified double-track railway with a standard gauge of 1435 mm and equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), meeting European standards. With speeds of up to 249 km/h, Rail Baltica will significantly reduce travel times between the Baltic States and major European cities. The project will create a modern infrastructure for passenger, freight and military mobility, promoting accessibility and facilitating business, tourism and cultural exchanges. The project will also strengthen the position of the Baltic region as an important transit hub, fostering stronger trade connections and promoting regional cooperation.
About the CEF program
Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is an EU funding programme aimed at promoting growth, jobs, inclusion and competitiveness through the efficient interconnection of transport, energy and digital networks within and between Member States.
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