Political scientist: airBaltic and Rail Baltica projects need realistic plans

Political scientist Filips Rajevskis has commented on the current issues regarding the national airline airBaltic and the railway project Rail Baltica in an interview with BNN.

airBaltic without a plan

Rajevskis emphasizes that the previous government, under Transport Minister Švinka, granted airBaltic 30 million euros without any business plan. Now the airline is again requesting funds but without a clear strategy. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs rightly questions where the planned 10 million passengers will come from, considering the population of the Baltic states. The need for 100 aircraft is also unclear. European regulations prohibit permanently subsidizing airlines, so airBaltic must develop a viable operational model without state support. Rajevskis notes that the prime minister is interested in understanding the situation and ensuring effective communication between the company's management and the state as a shareholder.

Rail Baltica: costs and deadlines

Regarding Rail Baltica, Rajevskis points out that information about Latvian construction costs being two to three times higher than in Estonia is inaccurate and is spread by the joint venture RB Rail. Prime Minister Kulbergs is ready to take a Baltic leader role in the project, which is positive as he is deeply familiar with the technical aspects, having chaired the parliamentary inquiry commission. Rajevskis stresses that the main track will definitely be built, but its completion by 2030 is impossible. Additional European Union funds need to be secured, and a realistic plan must be developed. Law enforcement agencies are already working on issues related to overpriced contracts for switches and rails. The former transport minister has even suggested taking RB Rail to court for damages.