Commission adopts milestones for the completion of Rail Baltica

The European Commission has today adopted an implementing decision setting out key milestones and deadlines for the completion of Rail Baltica, a flagship cross-border railway infrastructure project that will significantly enhance connectivity within the European Union. Unanimously supported by all Member States, this decision marks a major step toward fully integrating Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the European railway network by 2030.

Highlighting the project's strategic importance, European Coordinator Catherine Trautmann stated: "Rail Baltica will make it easier for people and goods to travel between the Baltic States and to the rest of the EU. The EU will grow together more closely, for leisure travel, for economic development, and for our common security. In the current geopolitical environment, building Rail Baltica is a necessity."

Today's decision is part of a broader effort to accelerate the implementation of cross-border projects under the revised trans-European transport network (TEN-T) Regulation, reinforcing the EU's commitment to seamless, sustainable, and secure transport connectivity.

The objective of integrating into the European railway system is shared across the region. Finland recently announced its intention to adapt its rail gauge to the European standard.

The Implementing Decision is available in the EU Official Journal.