Estonia stretches Rail Baltica construction to 2034 to secure €660m more EU funding

Estonia plans to complete the Tallinn–Pärnu section of Rail Baltica by 2032, followed by Soodevahe–Muuga in 2033 and Pärnu–Ikla in 2034, according to the timetable presented by Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

The slower construction schedule is also a financing decision. Michal said extending the project would allow Estonia to use around €660 million more in EU funding, particularly from the EU’s next 2028–2034 budget period, while reducing the need for additional borrowing and construction during a more expensive market period.

More than 100 kilometres of the Tallinn–Pärnu section are already under active construction. Only a day earlier, Rail Baltic Estonia said completion of Tallinn–Pärnu by 2030 remained technically possible depending on the financing option chosen by the government. The government has now opted for the longer timetable.

Source: ERR, 24 September 2026.
https://www.err.ee/1610147038/rail-balticu-tallinna-parnu-loik-valmib-plaanide-kohaselt-2032-aastal