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17 days · 19 summary articles
Construction has begun on a €9.8 million Rail Baltica spur linking Ülemiste and Lasnamäe in Tallinn, marking the first physical infrastructure milestone for the project in Estonia . Rail Baltic Estonia, the City of Tallinn, and construction company LEONHARD WEISS OÜ signed the contract on 20 June, with site preparation already underway at the Ülemiste logistics hub. The 1.5-kilometre link will integrate the new high-speed rail with Tallinn’s urban transport network, connecting the capital’s airport to the national rail system.
The project’s viability remains contingent on continued European Union funding, Transport Minister Rihards Kozlovskis warned in Riga. “Rail Baltica can only be implemented with European Union funding,” he stated, underscoring the €5.8 billion project’s reliance on Brussels’ financial commitment . Meanwhile, technical workshops in Vilnius last week brought together Rail Baltica experts and a delegation from Port Polska to refine high-speed rail infrastructure standards, signalling deeper regional coordination.
The developments coincide with accelerating EU accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova, which are now proceeding on separate tracks after the opening of the first negotiation cluster. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that both countries will advance at their own pace, with Moldova receiving an additional €528 million in conditional funding . A €1.1 billion EU call for transport modernisation projects, open to both aspiring members, aims to strengthen connections with the Union.
In Riga, the BIM for Rail Bootcamp 2026 convened over 100 rail professionals to advance digitalisation in infrastructure design, while voestalpine Railway Systems in Lithuania marked the symbolic start of turnout production for the project . Latvia’s Finance Ministry also reported that up to 95% of EU funds could be absorbed by year-end, accelerating implementation of the bloc’s cohesion and defence initiatives.
Defence cooperation with the United States remains central to regional security, Latvian Defence Minister Raivis Melnis emphasised in Riga. “Cooperation with the United States is the foundation of security for Latvia and the entire Baltic region,” he stated, as NATO allies prepare for the upcoming European Council meeting, where Latvia will push for faster implementation of Eastern Flank defence projects . The Rail Baltica spur in Tallinn, the first tangible step toward a unified Baltic rail network, reflects both the promise and the challenges of deeper European integration.
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Cooperation with Europe to combat crime not merely political European cooperation in combating crime is not merely a political objective, it also produces tangible results, Justice Minister Costas Fytiris said on Monday addressing a meeting of the Europol Management Board held in Nicosia. The 148th meeting of the Europol Management Board (MB) took place at the Filoxenia conference centre as part of Cyprus rotating […]
cyprus mail · 11 days ago
Lumio becomes Paphos first IB World School for International Baccalaureate MYP Lumio is proud to announce that it has been officially authorised as an IB World School for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), becoming the first school in Paphos to achieve this recognition. The authorisation follows a rigorous evaluation and verification process conducted by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IB), confirming Lumios commitment to […]
cyprus mail · 11 days ago
Rietumu Banka Becomes a Premium Partner of the American Chamber of Commerce - The Baltic Times Rietumu Banka has become a Premium Partner of the American Chamber of Commerce in Latvia (AmCham), further strengthening its long-standi......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Construction begins on new Rail Baltica link between Ülemiste and Lasnamäe in Tallinn - The Baltic Times Rail Baltic Estonia, the City of Tallinn, and construction company LEONHARD WEISS OÜ have signed a €9.8 million contract for t......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Rail Baltica and voestalpine Railway Systems mark start of turnout production - The Baltic Times Rail Baltica today marked the symbolic start of turnout production for the project at the voestalpine Railway Systems facility in Valčiū......
baltic times · 11 days ago
From the Baltics to Dubai: The Appeal of Palm Jumeirah - The Baltic Times Palm Jumeirah is more than just a luxury residential community. It is one of Dubais most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the citys am......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Russian representatives should not be given opportunity to enjoy tourist vacations in EU countries - Foreign Ministry - The Baltic Times RIGA - Russian representatives should not be given the opportunity in any format - whether in the arts or sports - to spread their propaganda or......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Cooperation with US is foundation of security for Latvia and entire Baltic region - Melnis - The Baltic Times RIGA - Cooperation with the United States is the foundation of security for Latvia and the entire Baltic region, Defense Minister Raivis Melnis ......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Von der Leyen hints Ukraine and Moldova are on separate EU accession paths after opening first cluster After opening the first cluster in their EU accession negotiations, Ukraine and Moldova will each continue their European integration process at their own pace, implementing different reforms.
ukrpravda · 11 days ago
Historic Swiss steam tram gets heritage protection status The canton of Berns Historic Preservation Authority has granted listed status to the city of Berns iconic steam tram, which is over 130 years old. It is the first vehicle of its kind in Switzerland to be granted this protected status. Following a comprehensive overhaul, the tram is now back in service. + Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The steam tram operated in the city of Bern from 1894 to 1902. Its listing as a protected monument recognises the vehicles exceptional historical, cultural and technical significance, the Bernmobil Historical Foundation, which operates the tram, said on Monday. It is a great honour that our steam tram is the first of its kind in Switzerland to be granted heritage protection, and at the same time it is a clear mandate, said Corinne Ribeli, chair of the foundations board of trustees. The listing was preceded by a year-long overhaul of the engine of the 132-year-old steam locomotive. Volunteers from the foundation ...
swissinfo · 11 days ago
Copenhagen makes sustainable tourism reward program permanent as other destinations adopt the model The expansion comes after more than 30,000 tourists participated in the activities. The project has received international attention since it was first launched and was named one of the worlds best inventions by TIME Magazine in 2025.
cphpost · 11 days ago
Key to Estonias first IRIS-T missile defense system unit handed over to Air Force Estonias Air Force received its first IRIS-T SLM mobile air defense missile system unit on Monday, which will boost the countrys air defense allowing it to engage threats at a greater distance.
news.err · 11 days ago
Latvia will emphasize at European Council need to accelerate implementation of defense projects aimed at strengthening Eastern Flank - The Baltic Times RIGA - At the upcoming European Council meeting, Latvia will emphasize the need to accelerate the implementation of European Union (EU) defense ......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Latvian, Lithuanian and Polish NGOs urge review of migrant pushbacks at Belarusian border - The Baltic Times RIGA - Three nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) from Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are calling for a review of "migrant pushbacks" a......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Pace of EU fund implementation in Latvia is accelerating, and up to 95 of funds could be absorbed by end of year - Finance Ministry - The Baltic Times RIGA - The pace of implementation of European Union (EU) funds in Latvia is accelerating, and up to 95 percent of the funds could be absorbed by......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Rail Baltica can only be implemented with EU funding - transport minister - The Baltic Times RIGA - The Rail Baltica railway project can only be implemented with European Union (EU) funding, Transport Minister Rihards Kozlovskis (New Uni......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Lithuanian president joins European leaders in welcoming US-Iran deal - The Baltic Times VILNIUS - Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda joined leaders from Britain, France, Germany and Italy in welcoming a memorandum of understanding......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Scientists and decision-makers to discuss Estonias readiness for climate change - The Baltic Times TALLINN - A climate seminar is being held on Tuesday in Tallinn, both at the Tamme hall of the joint ministry building and online, bringing toge......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Tsahkna to Discuss Ukraine-Related Issues with EU Colleagues - The Baltic Times TALLINN – Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna is set to participate in the European Unions Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg ......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Rietumu Banka Provides Nearly EUR 6 Million in Financing to Astor Group for Residential Development in Torņakalns - The Baltic Times Rietumu Banka has granted a EUR 5.95 million loan for a real estate development project located at 9 Biešu Street in Riga. The financing ......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Signet Bank finances the growth of Latvian private equity firm Global Champs through the acquisition of a mushroom farming company in Lithuania - The Baltic Times Global Champs, a Latvian-owned company, has acquired Baltic Champs, a Lithuanian mushroom cultivation company, from the Lithuanian agric......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Bentley Systems Announces New Office and Major Expansion in Vilnius - The Baltic Times Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ: BSY), the infrastructure engineering software......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Rail Baltica and RTU welcome BIM for Rail Bootcamp 2026 to Riga - The Baltic Times The BIM for Rail Bootcamp 2026 opened today in Riga, bringing together more than 100 railway infrastructure professionals, digitalisatio......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Rail Baltica hosts Port Polska delegation for technical workshop on high-speed rail infrastructure - The Baltic Times Last week, technical experts from Rail Baltica and a delegation from Port Polska held a joint workshop at the RB Rail AS office in Vilnius, focu......
baltic times · 11 days ago
BGS Begins Cooperation with Arkia Israeli Airlines in Vilnius - The Baltic Times Baltic Ground Services (BGS), an international provider of ground handling and aircraft fueling services, has begun cooperation with Arkia Israe......
baltic times · 11 days ago
From Internet Cafes to Esports Arenas: The Growth of Competitive Gaming in the Baltics - The Baltic Times The Baltic states have built a reputation for embracing innovation. Estonia is often recognized as one of Europes most digitally advanced n......
baltic times · 11 days ago
Not tanks, but apathy: the real threat to Lithuanias democracy – Tomas Janeliunas - The Baltic Times Tomas Janeliunas, a prominent Lithuanian political analyst and Professor at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vi......
baltic times · 11 days ago
10 Years of Tallinn Fringe: First Shows Announced for 2026 Festival - The Baltic Times Tallinn Fringe celebrates its 10th edition with the launch of the first wave of the 2026 programme at 12:00 on Thursday 18 June....
baltic times · 11 days ago
A new neighborhood is being built in Riga – Pro Kapital begins €23 million Blue Marine Residence project in Klīversala - The Baltic Times One of the largest premium-segment developers in the Baltics, "Pro Kapital," embedded a time capsule on June 17 at the upcoming premiu......
baltic times · 11 days ago
How Digital Payments Are Changing Leisure Spending in the Baltics - The Baltic Times In Riga, Tallinn or Vilnius, a free afternoon can turn into six small phone payments before anyone notices. Transport, coffee, tickets, a stream......
baltic times · 11 days ago