Transport and connectivity: what was achieved and what remains unresolved after four years

Over the past several years, Latvia's transport sector has gone through one of its most difficult periods, both financially and politically. Two topics in particular have dominated the conversation: the Rail Baltica railway project and the national airline airBaltic.

Major challenges, major costs

Realizing the planned rail connection requires billions of euros, while ensuring the country's air connectivity needs calls for investments worth hundreds of millions of euros. Since the start of the 14th Saeima's term, these two projects have become among the most important and most frequently discussed issues in the transport sector.

Problems and achievements

Overall, transport has been one of the most painful areas of government during this period, marked by difficult decisions, searches for funding, and contradictory progress. At the same time, it should be acknowledged that some of the planned projects were actually carried out and brought to completion.

Four ministers in four years

During the term of the 14th Saeima, responsibility for transport and connectivity passed through four different ministers in succession, reflecting political instability and frequent shifts in direction within the sector. At a time when the sector faced major challenges — both regarding the progress of Rail Baltica and the future of airBaltic — the frequent change of ministers raised additional questions about the continuity of strategy.

In summary, while some transport projects achieved results during this period, several of the largest and most costly issues — including the future of rail and air connections — still await a final resolution.