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

In his words, Lietuvos Gelezinkeliai has to choose between paying a fine, which, according to calculations made by BNS, may amount to 43 million euros, and rebuilding the Renge stretch or divide its operations into two companies: infrastructure and carrying of cargo and passengers.

"One is a fine and a commitment to rebuild the Renge stretch, while the second is separation of activities into infrastructure and haulage," Sinkevicius told BNS Lithuania. In his words, the size of the fine is withheld.

Sinkevicius said he heard the alternatives at a meeting with EC member in charge of transport Violeta Bulc last week. In his words, Lithuania has a month to decide between the two options.

The minister said he did not yet know the option the government would go for: "I don't know, we still have a month."

If the decision is to separate the operations, Lietuvos Gelezinkeliai should be given additional time, said Sinkevicius, adding it would be a complicated process, as the company has a number of cases pending in courts, as well as financial obligations. The minister did not rule out to go to court, should the EC impose the fine.

The official probe into Lietuvos Gelezinkeliai's operations was opened by the EC in March of 2013 after the Polish oil concern Orlen filed a plea in 2011.

In September of 2008, Lietuvos Gelezinkeliai interrupted traffic between Lithuania and Latvia, dismantling rails a month later. The rails are yet to be restored.