Results of the 2025 annual pan-Baltic public awareness and opinion survey indicate that more than 90% of respondents report awareness of the Rail Baltica project.
Among respondents who are aware of the project, a majority – more than 60% of citizens on average in the Baltics – express a positive or very positive overall attitude toward the Rail Baltica project. Survey results show that public opinion is shaped by several factors, most notably considerations related to security and military mobility, expectations of economic and connectivity benefits, and perceptions of project implementation and delivery. Additional frequently mentioned benefits include job creation and the development of tourism in the region.
“Public attitudes toward Rail Baltica show that people see this project much more broadly than just as transport infrastructure – as a project that can promote economic growth, create a more orderly environment, and increase the sense of security in the region. Survey data indicate high expectations – residents want to see concrete actions and understand how the project is being managed. The clearer the progress and practical benefits become, the more sustainable public trust in the Rail Baltica project will be,” comments sociologist Linda Ezera, Head of AS “Norstat Latvia.”
More than half of respondents in the Baltic states believe that the Rail Baltica project offers more benefits than disadvantages. In addition, many say they understand the reasons behind the increase in the project’s costs and believe that it will improve the well-being of future generations.
The survey places specific emphasis on security and military mobility
Across the survey population, approximately two-thirds of respondents consider Rail Baltica’s role in enabling military mobility to be important for Baltic security. In addition, around 66-85% of respondents agree that Rail Baltica would improve NATO’s ability to move troops and military equipment across the region.
A majority of respondents also indicate that improved military mobility would have a positive effect on overall security in the Baltic states, suggesting a perceived link between transport infrastructure capacity and defence readiness. Support for these security-related aspects is statistically more pronounced among men and among respondents aged 66-75.
Younger respondents emphasize future-oriented benefits
Among younger respondents aged 18-24, support is more closely associated with long-term socio-economic factors, including improved mobility as well as will attract more tourists to the country, and integration with the European transport network. While security considerations are less dominant within this group, awareness levels and overall attitudes remain comparable to the wider population.
Rail Baltica is also associated with economic value during the construction phase, as well as long-term benefits related to regional connectivity and integration into the European transport network. Support levels tend to be higher among respondents with higher education and higher income levels, as well as among respondents who are very well or well informed about the Rail Baltica project.
From awareness to expectations regarding delivery
While awareness of Rail Baltica is high, the survey shows a shift toward greater interest in implementation and delivery. Approximately 68-76% of respondents state that they feel at least somewhat informed about the project. At the same time, around one quarter to one third indicate that the level of available information should be increased, particularly about implementation timelines, construction progress, national-level benefits, financial information, costs and coordination across the Baltic region.
The survey was conducted in December 2025 as part of a recurring annual study, using online CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interviews). The total sample consisted of 3,016 respondents, with approximately 1,000 respondents in each Baltic state, representing internet users aged 18–75. The consistent methodology enables year-on-year measurement of public awareness, attitudes, and perceptions related to Rail Baltica.