On 1 December 2025, European Transport Corridor Coordinator Mario Mauro visited Riga to review Latvia’s transport priorities and developments within the TEN-T network. The visit focused on Latvia’s role in the newly defined European transport corridors, established under the TEN-T Regulation that took effect on 18 July 2024. Latvia participates in two of the EU’s nine corridors: the North Sea–Baltic Sea Corridor and the Baltic Sea–Black Sea–Aegean Sea Corridor.
Mauro met with representatives of Latvian Railways, RB Rail AS and European Railway Lines to discuss the Rail Baltica project, current rail sector developments and the impact of geopolitical conditions on freight volumes. Although freight has declined, passenger numbers continue to rise. Discussions highlighted the importance of military mobility, infrastructure upgrades, higher train speeds and a new rail link to Riga Airport.
Progress on the cross-border Rail Baltica project was reviewed, with Latvia stressing the need for continued Connecting Europe Facility funding beyond 2028 to meet the EU goal of completing the core TEN-T network by 2030. The parties noted positive developments in EU Council negotiations, with a partial agreement expected on 15 December.
Mauro also inspected construction works and the planned first-phase connection linking Riga to the Rail Baltica line via the existing railway network.