Earlier today in Tallinn, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė convened for high-level discussions on regional cooperation, infrastructure and security. The meeting opened at the Rail Baltica Ülemiste terminal, where the three heads of government reviewed construction progress and debated on the strategic priorities of Rail Baltica.
Rail Baltica is the largest cross-border infrastructure project in the Baltic region and one of the most consequential investments Europe is making on its eastern flank. It integrates Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania into the European standard-gauge network, unlocks modern passenger and freight connectivity across the region, and serves a dual purpose of economic competitiveness and collective security, including military mobility in support of NATO. The shared commitment of the three governments remains firm: deliver the mainline and connect the region to Europe by 2030.
During the meeting it was also emphasized that Rail Baltica is already paying back. Every kilometre built, every contract awarded, and every job sustained generates tax revenue flowing to national budgets today, not in 2030. And once operational, the line will deliver long-term benefits through improved connectivity.
During his address, Marko Kivila, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board, highlighted the decisions that will define the 2030 trajectory.
Kivila noted: “As of this year, Rail Baltica mainline construction has started on 43% of the corridor, an outcome built on the joint commitment of all implementers throughout the past project phases, from spatial planning and design to land acquisition and contracting of the construction works.”
Addressing the heads of the Baltic governments, he outlined the principal actions for the states to prioritize in 2026: alignment among the three states on the Control-Command and Signalling (CCS) contract to enable signature this summer and the timely commissioning of completed sections; conversion of rolling stock options into firm orders; and sustained joint engagement with European Union institutions to close the outstanding financing gap through the next MFF.
From planning to delivery: progress on the ground speaks for itself
The selection of the Ülemiste terminal as the venue was deliberate. As the starting point of Rail Baltica in Estonia, it represents one of the most tangible demonstrations that the programme has transitioned from planning to delivery. With more than half of the Estonian mainline currently under construction, the site gave the three Prime Ministers direct visibility of the delivery tempo the project has achieved.
Lauri Ulm, CTO and Member of the Management Board of Rail Baltic Estonia, said: “In Estonia, Rail Baltica’s progress is already clearly visible, with more than half of the mainline under construction. The fact that the Prime Ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania began their day at the Ülemiste international passenger terminal construction site highlights not only the strategic importance of the project but also the very real technical momentum behind it. Ülemiste is the starting point of Rail Baltica in Estonia, and the rapid progress here proves that the project is moving decisively from plans into delivery.”