Estonia weighs slowing Rail Baltic construction to use EU funds
Friday 18th September 2026 on 20:45 in
Estonia
Estonia is considering slowing the pace of Rail Baltic construction to make fuller use of European Union funding, ERR reported. Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis said work on the Tallinn to Pärnu section would continue at full speed, while construction on some other sections could be delayed.
Leis said the decision must take into account Estonia’s ability to complete its section by 2030, uncertainty over Latvia’s capacity to continue construction and the EU funding period from 2028 to 2034. Completing the project by 2030 could leave a substantial share of EU support unused, he said.
“We are not giving up, but facing reality and considering what is reasonable overall,” Leis said.
The plan to complete the route for domestic traffic between Tallinn and Pärnu remains in place, and a tender for regional trains is also due to be relaunched.
Work on the more than 100-kilometre Tallinn to Pärnu section is progressing rapidly and will continue. Construction south of Pärnu, as well as work from the Ülemiste terminal in Tallinn towards the port, could begin later than originally planned.
The changes require approval from Brussels. Leis said the transport ministers of the three Baltic states would discuss the issue at a meeting of European transport ministers in Ireland on Sunday and Monday. The Baltic prime ministers are also due to discuss Rail Baltic’s pace at a meeting early next week.
Much will depend on Latvia’s position, including whether it sets a specific completion year, Leis said. Once the three Baltic states agree on their shared capacity, they will discuss the timetable with the European Commission.
Leis said construction companies would not face penalties because Rail Baltic Estonia has alliance contracts under which sections are agreed according to the work assigned to builders. He described the contracts as flexible and appropriate for a long-term project.
He added that construction companies were satisfied with the current workload, as Rail Baltic construction is taking place alongside the construction of two-plus-two-lane roads towards Pärnu.