The transport ministers of the Baltic states made a joint statement. They said that Rail Baltic needs more money. This money is necessary for the high-speed railway to be completed on time. Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leisi said that 10 billion euros are needed. A year ago, the total cost of Rail Baltic was 14 billion euros. Of this, 4 billion have already been spent. Now, an additional 10 billion must be found. This money will not come only from the European Union but also from the countries themselves.
The construction of Rail Baltic has been supported by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The countries have also used other opportunities. For example, Estonia has built Rail Baltic viaducts using recovery funds. The European Commission is currently discussing how to use unspent structural funds. This money could go to defense projects. The European Commission's goal is for countries to start using this money from next year.
The government is looking for solutions on how to use this money. According to Leisi, Rail Baltic could receive money from military mobility funds. This money could help build railways, highways, bridges, and ports. These connections should withstand military equipment.
The next EU budget period is from 2028 to 2034. In July, the European Commission will propose a framework for the new budget period. Then, discussions will begin in member states. Rail Baltic is a very important project for the European Commission. The railway should be completed by 2030. The Baltic states want funding to be allocated at the beginning of the project, not at the end.