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

According to the deputy minister, Lithuania embraces EU aim to optimize management of rail infrastructure as well as preserve its competitiveness. However, in order to achieve these goals, the priority should be given to the establishment of a common approach to safety and interoperability rules.

He stressed that currently Lithuanian railway system is managed efficiently, and the volume of freight transportation by road corresponds to the EU's objectives. Country's contribution to the maintenance of infrastructure and passenger transportation services is low.

"Contemporary EU requirements for carriers guarantee fair and non-discriminatory access to rail infrastructure and allow the Member States to choose rail infrastructure management model which suits the best the specific peculiarities of the country. Lithuania, as well as some other countries, applies a model where one company can manage both infrastructure and passenger and freight transportation. The specificities of each country need to be taken into account. Lithuanian railway undertakings compete in rail market with economically strong, large and integrated companies from the third countries is intense," said Sliupas.