9 July 2025, the European Commission adopted an implementing decision setting out key milestones and deadlines for the completion of Rail Baltica, a flagship cross-border railway infrastructure project that will significantly enhance connectivity within the European Union. Unanimously supported by all Member States, this decision marks a major step toward fully integrating Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the European railway network by 2030.
Highlighting the project’s strategic importance, European Coordinator Catherine Trautmann stated: “Rail Baltica will make it easier for people and goods to travel between the Baltic States and to the rest of the EU. The EU will grow together more closely, for leisure travel, for economic development, and for our common security. In the current geopolitical environment, building Rail Baltica is a necessity.”
Background
This decision is part of a broader effort to accelerate the implementation of cross-border projects under the revised trans-European transport network (TEN-T) Regulation, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to seamless, sustainable, and secure transport connectivity.
The objective of integrating into the European railway system is shared across the region. Finland recently announced its intention to adapt its rail gauge to the European standard.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1332 of 9 July 2025 on the implementation of the Rail Baltica cross-border project on the North Sea – Baltic European Transport Corridor and the Baltic Sea – Black Sea – Aegean Sea European Transport Corridor in application of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1723.