Rail Baltica forum in Madrid underlines the importance of sustainable EU financing for European connectivity
Around 200 representatives from Spain’s rail sector, public administration and high-level delegations from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania gathered in Madrid for the Rail Baltica Forum on European Connectivity, Security and Cooperation, underscoring growing political momentum behind cross-border infrastructure. A consistent message emerged – completing Europe’s integrated transport network will hinge on predictable, long-term funding in the 2028–2034 EU Multiannual Financial Framework, in particular through a reinforced Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), including its Military Mobility envelope.
The forum, organised by ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, MAFEX - the Spanish Rail Industry Association, RB Rail AS and the embassies of the three Baltic states in Spain, with the backing of Spain’s Ministry for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, was opened by Spain’s transport minister Óscar Puente Santiago. Contributions also came from Estonia’s infrastructure minister Kuldar Leis, Lithuania’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Roderikas Žiobakas, Latvia’s ambassador to Spain Jānis Zlamets, ICEX CEO Elisa Carbonell, and MAFEX General Director Pedro Fortea.
“International cooperation with partners in Spain and other countries is essential to the successful delivery of a project of the scale of Rail Baltica. By developing European standard-gauge railway infrastructure, we are investing not only in more efficient passenger and freight mobility, but also in enhancing Europe’s overall security and resilience,” says Roderikas Žiobakas, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania.
“Rail Baltica is one of Europe’s most important infrastructure projects, directly linking the Baltic Sea region with Central and Southern Europe and improving the movement of people and goods across the continent. It strengthens the EU’s economic competitiveness and security, including through enhanced military mobility on NATO’s eastern flank. Therefore, completing the main line by 2030 is a shared objective of all Baltic states – stable and sufficient financing is essential to achieve this,” said Kuldar Leis, Estonia’s Minister of Infrastructure, in his opening address.
“As the joint venture delivering Rail Baltica, we see every day how this project is being built by Europe, for Europe. From design to construction, our supply chain already brings together partners from across the continent. To continue and accelerate works on the ground, we now need even more decisive action at the political level, sustained cross-country cooperation and continuity of financing,” said Marko Kivila, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of RB Rail AS.
Pedro Fortea argued that infrastructure on the scale of Rail Baltica demands funding aligned with its strategic importance, warning that only long-term predictability in instruments such as the Connecting Europe Facility and its Military Mobility envelope can give industry the confidence to invest, innovate and deliver. He also urged procurement frameworks that prioritise technical excellence, cybersecurity, supply-chain resilience and strict adherence to European standards, key elements he said are necessary to ensure a genuinely level playing field across the bloc.
Latvia’s ambassador to Spain, Jānis Zlamets, underlined that the CEF, including its Military Mobility component, will be a cornerstone of EU transport financing in the next budget cycle and must remain both ambitious and adequately resourced. Meanwhile, Lithuania’s deputy transport minister Roderikas Žiobakas pointed to international cooperation as a prerequisite for delivering Rail Baltica, framing the project not only as a mobility upgrade but as a strategic investment in Europe’s broader security and resilience.
Two panel discussions, moderated by Politico reporter Martina Sapio, convened representatives from RB Rail AS, Spanish authorities, the Rail Baltica national implementing bodies, ADIF, Renfe, MAFEX and a defence expert. The exchanges centred on the financing and interoperability of European rail corridors, the strategic role of the Connecting Europe Facility and its Military Mobility component, and the growing involvement of Spanish industry across infrastructure, systems, rolling stock and multi-gauge integration.
Spain’s operational experience spanning Iberian gauge (1,668 mm), European standard gauge (1,435 mm) and variable-gauge technologies was repeatedly cited as a competitive advantage. Vytautas Radzevičius of LTG Group highlighted that Rail Baltica is already drawing on a broad base of European partners, including Spanish firms, creating clear mutual value along the supply chain. He stressed that investment in the Baltic region translates into tangible economic returns for the EU as a whole.
The forum concluded with B2B meetings between Rail Baltica management and Spanish companies, as well as a technical visit to Madrid-Chamartín Clara Campoamor Station hosted by ADIF.
About Rail Baltica
Rail Baltica is one of the largest high-speed rail projects in Europe and is part of the Trans-European Transport Network. It aims to improve connectivity, strengthen regional security and support economic growth in the Baltic states. The new railway will link Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with Poland and, indirectly, with Finland, as well as with the broader European rail network.
Rail Baltica will be fully electrified with a standard gauge of 1435 mm and it will be equipped with ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System). It has been designed to meet European standards. With a design speed of 249 km/h, Rail Baltica will reduce travel times between the Baltic states and major European cities by more than half. It will serve as a modern infrastructure for passenger, freight and military mobility, promoting accessibility and facilitating business, tourism and cultural exchange. Rail Baltica will help establish the Baltics as a key link in European trade and cooperation.
Information and photo courtesy of RB Rail AS.
Last updated: 05-05-2026
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