Employment, EU – Baltic States, Investments, Lithuania, Railways, Transport

The head of Government stressed that Rail Baltica was one of the European Union's (EU) priorities, part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TENT-T) expansion policy, which is one of ten, most important European corridors connecting the North and the Baltic Seas.

The prime minister said this was a crucial project and Lithuania had to concentrate efforts to implement it smoothly and in time. Butkevicius welcomed the fact that more than 90% of work was completed while the remaining tasks were on schedule.

The prime minister noted that the new railway line means not only new investments in the region but also new jobs, improved competitiveness and greater national security.

"From economic perspective, Rail Baltica will allow to attract more investment, cargo and passenger flows will increase, which will promote economic growth and create new jobs in the region. However, another aspect is equally important – the national security issue. We will be united with the EU's European gauge railway, we will become a part of the most important European transportation corridor," Butkevicius said.