Rail Baltica's Soaring Costs and Delays Face Ministerial Scrutiny
The Rail Baltica project, a high-speed train link between the Baltic states and Poland, has faced criticism and delays. The Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry has called on Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder to explain the increased costs and project setbacks. The initial budget for Rail Baltica was under €6 billion, but it has since skyrocketed to almost €24 billion. This significant increase has led to delays, with only the first phase now planned to be completed by 2030. Originally planned as a double-track road, the first phase will now be single-track. The Bank of Latvia and the Financial Discipline Council have raised concerns about the project's risks. Members of the Commission have criticized the Ministry of Finance for not addressing these warnings. The Ministry, however, rejected these accusations, stating that it cannot direct the Minister of Transport. The next meeting of the parliamentary commission will invite senior officials of the Transport Ministry. Minister Schnieder, who has been in office since May 6, 2025, will be questioned about the project's escalating costs and delays. The Parliament established the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into Rail Baltica in June 2023 to address these issues.
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