In Strasbourg, France, on November 26 this year, it is planned to organize an informal forum of members of the European Parliament (EP), paying special attention to the issues related to the financing of ‘ project, representatives of the joint venture Baltic JSC. “RB Rail” told LETA.
“RB Rail” informs that the deputy chairman of the EP and coordinator of the Transport Committee Roberts Zīle (NA) met with the main representatives of the “Rail Baltica” project in Latvia to discuss current issues related to implementation the project.
During the meeting, special attention was paid to the upcoming “Friends of Rail Baltica” meeting, planned for November 26 in Strasbourg. This group is an informal forum of MEPs, which was created to promote the development of the “Rail Baltica” project and ensure the necessary political support at the European level.
Representatives from both “RB Rail” and the three ministries of transport and project promoters in the Baltic States will be present at the meeting, as well as MEPs from various political groups and countries.
During the meeting, Zile emphasized that “Rail Baltica” is an important strategic project not only for the Baltic States, but for the entire European Union (EU). “I am sure that by working together we can overcome all the challenges and ensure the successful implementation of the project. This is the first such meeting in Strasbourg this year, and I believe it will be an important platform to strengthen the scheme. visibility and support for the project at the European level,” said Zile.
Kristīne Malnača, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Āriks Diļevs, Board Member of SIA “Eiropas Dzelzceļa Lijnas” (EDzL) and Board Member Baiba Zauer, as well as Kitija Gruškevica, Board Member of RB Rail were present at meeting. “. During the conversation, both technical and financial aspects were discussed, which are currently relevant in the implementation of the project.
During the meeting, Gruškevica pointed out that all the Baltic states are facing similar challenges, so common solutions are being applied such as re-planning and implementation of the project in stages, review of solutions technical and project scope reduction. “But there are also national level issues and solutions that need to be addressed, and we expect support from the government for them. The aim is to build a working railway line by 2030, but both have an impact on the availability of funding on the deadlines. and, therefore, the technical capabilities,” said Gruškevica. .
On the other hand, Diļevs said that it is essential that the Ministry of Finance and the ministries of other departments be more actively involved in attracting funding.
“We need to look in two directions – both when we plan the next multi-year budget and also when we review the existing funds. with the “Rail Baltica” project by using such a proactive approach to the available funding resources and providing sustainable funding for this strategically important infrastructure project, ” Diļevs said.
He said that Latvia should learn from the example of Estonia, where the government recently decided to allocate an additional 200 million euros to the “Rail Baltica” project from CO2 emission allowance trading funds, saying that Latvia should consider similar opportunities using different financing. sources related to climate change mitigation initiatives.
“RB Rail” and the project executives will continue to cooperate closely with the MEPs and other organizations involved to ensure the successful progress and implementation of the “Rail Baltica” project, representatives said ” RB Rail”.
It has already been mentioned that according to the research report on the situation of the “Rail Baltica” project carried out by the highest research institutes in the Baltic States, there is currently no clarity about the operational and management model the “Rail Baltica”. railway line.
According to the latest “RB Rail” information, the costs of the first round of “Rail Baltica” in the Baltics could reach 14.3 billion euros, with 5.5 billion euros in Latvia, however, it is possible to save up to 400 million euros. from the optimization of technical solutions, as well as other possible savings.
According to the cost-benefit analysis, the total cost of the project in the Baltics can reach 23.8 billion euros. In the previous cost-benefit analysis in 2017, it was estimated that the project would cost a total of 5.8 billion euros.
The “Rail Baltica” project intends to create a railway line of standard European 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 railway line, 870-kilometer long of European gauge (1,435 millimeters) with a maximum train speed of 240 kilometers per hour.
2024-11-19 21:06:00
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What are the major logistical and regulatory hurdles currently influencing the timeline and execution of the Rail Baltica project within the European Union?
Questions for the Guest:
1. Can you provide an overview of the upcoming “Friends of Rail Baltica” meeting planned for November 26 in Strasbourg, France? What role does this forum play in promoting the development of the Rail Baltica project at the European level?
2. How crucial is the “Rail Baltica” project for the overall European Union, and what challenges does it face in terms of financing and implementation?
3. What specific funding opportunities and strategies are being considered by the Latvian government and EU institutions to ensure the continued progress of the Rail Baltica project?
4. What are some of the ongoing discussions and efforts towards optimizing technical solutions and reducing costs associated with the Rail Baltica project, and how do they align with the broader objectives of the initiative?
5. As the cost-benefit analysis of the Rail Baltica project has significantly changed since 2017, what are some of the key factors that have contributed to these revisions, and how might they impact the overall feasibility and sustainability of the project?
6. In light of these revised costs, how do stakeholders envision securing the necessary funding for the Rail Baltica project, particularly in the face of competition from other infrastructure projects across Europe?
7. Given the regional coordination required for the successful implementation of the Rail Baltica project, how do different Baltic states collaborate on technical solutions, financing strategies, and administrative matters?
8. With the recent developments surrounding the potential operational and management model for the Rail Baltica project, what potential implications could these have for its future trajectory and success?
