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Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are seeking at least €10 billion in dedicated EU funding to complete Rail Baltica. In a joint declaration issued on 22 September 2026, the three governments also committed to making the railway’s main line operational during the EU’s next budget period, 2028–2034. That leaves more time than the previously agreed 2030 timetable, although the governments say they still aim to stay as close to it as possible.

The countries want the funding secured in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, particularly through the Connecting Europe Facility. They are also calling for an EU co-financing rate of up to 85% and bridge funding to keep construction moving before the new budget period begins. They point to rising defence spending and pressure on national budgets as reasons why predictable EU support is essential.

Rail Baltica is intended to connect the Baltic states with Poland and the wider European standard-gauge rail network. The governments stress that separate national sections will deliver their full value only when they form a continuous cross-border corridor. Alongside passenger and freight connectivity, they identify military mobility as a central reason to complete the line.

The funding request comes after approximately €4.46 billion in EU support had already been secured for the project. More than 40% of the Baltic main line had been handed over for construction by early September, according to Rail Baltica’s project company. The governments say they will review costs and coordinate construction plans across the three countries while preserving the railway’s essential operational requirements.

For European freight transport, the decisive milestone will be an operational connection across borders. Until the Baltic sections link reliably with Poland and the rest of the EU network, Rail Baltica cannot deliver its intended benefits as a through corridor for goods.