CINEA (European Climate Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) has approved a grant of EUR 928 million to RB Rail under the Connecting Europe Facility grant agreement for Rail Baltica project.

RB Rail a joint venture of Baltic states and the European Climate Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) signed a EUR 928 million Connecting Europe Facility grant agreement for the Rail Baltica project. Additionally, with the co-financing of three baltic states, the project will receive an amount of EUR 1.1 Billion. After the newly signed agreements, the Rail Baltica global project has secured financing for the construction activities covering approximately the first 130 km Rail Baltica mainline. The agreements are signed between  CINEA and RB Rail on behalf of the Ministry of the Climate of Estonia, the Ministry of Transport of Latvia, and the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Lithuania.

“The Global Project is now entering into its main construction phase in all three Baltic states, hence we trust the beneficiaries will also implement this important European project in due time,” says Morten Jensen, Head of Unit at CINEA.

The financing agreements will support numerous major activities like construction of railway substructures, civil engineering structures, service roads, and road crossings for multiple sections in Estonia, including the sectors from Loone to Alu, Harju/Rapla country border to Loone, Parilia, Juula, Alu road crossings and others.

“I want to convey our gratitude for the EU’s active support and demonstrated interest in Rail Baltica, as this funding will make the necessary contributions to kickstart the mainline construction activities in Baltic states,” said Marko Kivila, chairman of the Management Board and interim CEO at RB Rail.

CEF grant and how it is leveraged across Baltic states

In Estonia, the first Rail Baltica mainline construction works are scheduled to start soon. Three construction tenders have already been invited, and three more are in preparatory phase. 

In Latvia, the funding from these agreements will be used for the continuation of the construction works in the main sections of the Rail Baltica project at both international stations. This includes the construction of viaducts and access platforms at Rail Baltica Riga Central hub. Additionally, funding is allocated for the acquisition and design of real estate properties, and the establishment of the construction base in Lecava

In Lithuania, the Rail Baltica mainline from Kaunas to Panev?ys. Has completed technical documentation. In the sections, Šveicarija-eimiai and eimiai-Š?ta, the installation of railway embankment and construction of service roads have already commenced.