Latvia: Transport Ministry turns to prosecutor over Rail Baltica costs

The ruling coalition in Latvia will review contracts and rising costs of the Rail Baltica railway project before approving any related payments, LETA reports. Following an audit of the project, the Ministry of Transport has turned to the Prosecution Office. The audit estimated that the total cost of the project had risen to EUR 23.8bn. Also, the report highlighted a lack of vision for the future use and management of the railway. Construction companies involved in the project in Latvia have not been paid since February 2024 due to unanticipated inflation. The construction of Rail Baltica’s main line is to begin in 2024.