📋 Tender Overview
The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has familiarized itself with the report published by the European Court of Auditors on January 19, 2026 on EU transport infrastructure projects, including Rail Baltica. Latvia highly values the conclusions contained in the report and considers it an important reference point in the further implementation of the project. I consider the report of the European Court of Audit on EU transport infrastructure projects, including Rail Baltica, to be a good starting point for the future implementation of the project. Although the report is critical, its constructive criticism certainly contributes to the progress of the project. The goal set so far to ensure a cross-border connection with the European transport network is challenging, but the process of its implementation continues and depends on the availability of funding and joint work in the implementation of the project, emphasizes the Minister of Transport Atis Svinka. The European Audit report clearly outlines the challenges that cross-border projects of this scale face: sustainability of financing, changes in technical solutions and complex coordination of parties. They have long been the subject of professional discussions in cooperation with the European Commission, coordinators of European transport corridors and partners in the Baltic States. The cooperation with the European Commission so far has been constructive and focused on solutions, and the financial support provided by the EU has been decisive in the progress of Rail Baltica throughout the region. Rail Baltica is one of the EUs most strategically important cross-border infrastructure projects, in which all three Baltic states are simultaneously involved and close cooperation is also implemented with Poland and Finland. The added value of this project requires additional coordination, and Latvia expresses its readiness to continue close cooperation at all levels. Latvia agrees that at the current stage the main priority is to ensure significant progress in the first phase of the project, taking into account both the current security situation in Europe and the agreement on cross-border connection as the highest strategic goal. At the same time, the risk caused by the increase in costs is recognized, and Latvia is already implementing measures to limit it, clearly respecting the available funding and the fiscal framework established by the government, in accordance with the governments decision of December 10, 2024, the execution of the first round of tasks is ensured within the framework of the available funding, without taking on financial obligations without adequate coverage. The work carried out in Latvia in 2025, in close cooperation with builders and technical experts, will make it possible to further adapt the construction projects of the main line to the available means of the EU Infrastructure Interconnection Instrument (EISI), maintaining the quality and technical standards of the project. This approach ensures project continuity and more efficient use of EU funding. In the opinion of the Ministry of Transport, the transition of the project from the planning to the active construction phase requires a more flexible EC approach in coordinating changes to technical solutions. Latvia has repeatedly called on the European Executive Agency for Climate, Infrastructure and Environment (CINEA) to promptly approve the optimizations necessary to adapt construction projects to both technical realities and available funding. However, the existing legal framework is not sufficient to make even small changes promptly and without losing funding. Positive progress was achieved with a significant result in 2025 in the facility of Riga Central Station and in the connection of Riga Airport with Imanta Station, attracting funds from the EU Recovery Fund as well as the Cohesion Fund. This experience will be valuable when planning the attraction of funding in the next EU multiannual budget period, in which it is necessary to attract funds from various EU financial instruments. Latvia strongly supports the draft regulation prepared by the European Commission for the establishment of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEIF) for the period from 2028 to 2034. This proposal is an essential part of the EUs new multiannual financial framework, and its proposed increase in funding - both in the field of transport twice, and especially in the field of military mobility, where the amount of funding is expected to be up to ten times higher than the current CEI II period - demonstrates the EUs clear commitment to continue the development of strategic cross-border transport projects. Latvia emphasizes that such an approach is essential both for the modernization of the European transport network and for strengthening regional security. Rail Baltica, as a dual-use infrastructure, is a central element in the EU military mobility corridor, and Latvia has invested significant work over several years to ensure project progress, financial discipline and compliance with EU standards. Latvia has unequivocally expressed that it will not support the reduction of funding for the transport section of the CEF, including military mobility projects, in the future negotiations either. This position is based on both national security interests and the belief in the importance of Rail Baltica and other strategic projects for the stability and connectivity of the whole of Europe. Latvia is determined to continue close cooperation with the European Commission, member states and all project partners in order to ensure the successful and sustainable development of Rail Baltica.effective implementation. Latvia has expressed its readiness to actively engage in the search for practical solutions and the improvement of the necessary processes in order to strengthen the stability and mobility of the EU transport network, while promoting regional security interests. Rail Baltica is a strategic inve
