EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Railways, Transport

Anrijs Matiss at the neeting with Pedro Miguel Jimenez Nacher. Photo: sam.gov.lv

The ambassador stressed Spain's successful experience in high-speed railroad infrastructure development, and he was interested in Latvia's railroad infrastructure projects, especially in the standard gauge Rail Baltica. The ambassador indicated that Rail Baltica is an important international inter-state venture, aimed at strengthening the European identity of the Baltic people.

The ambassador also confirmed Spain's fixed interest to participate in the restoration of the Latvian passenger train park.

Matiss informed the ambassador about Latvia's (as the presiding country of the Council of the European Union), vision of its priorities in regard to transport and communications.

As reported, companies from France, Germany, China, and Great Britain have shown interest in the Rail Baltica project.

In 2012, the Spanish company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles and Pasazieru vilciens signed an agreement on manufacture of new railroad cars for Latvia. However, it was later ascertained that the agreement signed by Pasazieru vilciens CEO Nils Freivalds was not in line with the procurement rules, therefore the contract had to be changed - a proposal that was rejected by the Spanish company. The funds that were originally earmarked for this train procurement deal were eventually spent on other railroad projects in Latvia.

As reported, the Rail Baltica 2 project provides for the reconstruction of a standard gauge (1,435 mm) railroad line in the Baltic States. This would cost EUR 1.27 billion for Latvia, and EUR 3.68 billion for all three Baltic States together. The European Commission could potentially cover 85 percent of the said costs.