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

Photo: sumin.lrv.lt

"It is very encouraging that the European Commission has come up with a proposal to maintain financing for cross-border projects of high importance, such as Rail Baltic, at the maximum rate of 85% also in the new period. For the sake of the development of the project, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania still have to reach agreement on several issues that require a common approach from the Baltic countries," the Estonian minister said in a press release.

"One such topic is the future administration of the Rail Baltic infrastructure and the forthcoming election of the chairman of the management board of RB Rail AS, which we discussed with the Lithuanian colleague as well. It is also important that Estonia and Lithuania both continue to view the Rail Baltic project as a priority. That was reaffirmed at today's meeting," Simson said.

The ministers visited the BLRT ship repair and shipbuilding compound in Klaipeda, home to one of the biggest investments ever made by Estonian businesspeople in Lithuania.

"Over the years, BLRT has invested approximately 150 million euros in Klaipeda, and they are planning to invest close to 100 million euros more there in conjunction with the local port in the coming few years. This is a massive investment," Simson said.