Mr. Kristen Michal Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia

Mr. Andris Kulbergs Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia

Mr. Mindaugas Sinkevičius Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania

Joint Statement of the Baltic Chambers of Commerce on Rail Baltica

The Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Association of Lithuanian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts call on the Governments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to maintain Rail Baltica as one of the highest joint strategic priorities for the Baltic region.

For our countries, secure, eCicient and reliable connectivity is a cornerstone of security, defence, competitiveness and long-term economic development. Our shared objective must be to strengthen the Baltic States' connections with the rest of Europe and the world by land, rail and air.

Rail Baltica is far more than a transport infrastructure project. It is a strategic corridor for competitiveness, resilience and security that will integrate the Baltic States more closely into the European Single Market, improve access to Central and Western Europe, strengthen supply chains, enhance military mobility and increase the attractiveness of our region for investment. The European Commission has recognised that Rail Baltica's geostrategic importance has significantly increased and that its contribution to European defence, security and military mobility must be fully reflected in its implementation.

Given its strategic significance, the Chambers call on the Governments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to ensure strong political leadership of the project at the level of the Prime Ministers. Over the lifetime of Rail Baltica, governments and political majorities have changed in all three Baltic States. Long-term political commitment and continuity are therefore essential to ensure the project's successful completion.

The Chambers also call for full transparency regarding the project's implementation. Governments should communicate realistic delivery timelines, provide timely information on any delays and clearly explain the reasons behind them. Transparency should also extend to the overall investment required, financing arrangements and the expected long-term economic, social and security benefits.

It is the responsibility of the Prime Ministers of all three Baltic States to jointly identify the key challenges aCecting the project and to ensure that eCective solutions are developed and implemented. Where risks to financing or delivery timelines arise, governments should present clear mitigation plans, alternative scenarios and concrete actions to keep the project on track.

The business community has already made strategic investment decisions and long-term development plans based on the implementation of Rail Baltica. Businesses therefore need regular, structured communication on the project's progress, identified risks and the measures being taken to address them. Predictability and transparency are essential for maintaining business confidence and enabling further private investment alongside this strategic public infrastructure.

Rail Baltica is a once-in-a-generation investment in the future of the Baltic region. In today's geopolitical environment, its timely delivery is no longer solely an infrastructure objective— it is a matter of strategic credibility, regional resilience and European security. Delivering Rail Baltica on time and with unwavering political commitment will strengthen the Baltic States, reinforce the European Union's eastern flank, and demonstrate that Europe can successfully deliver projects that are vital for its security, competitiveness and long-term prosperity.

Oliver Väärtnõu President Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Aigars Rostovskis President Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Sigitas Gailiūnas President Association of Lithuanian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts