Rail Baltic
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, press briefing
Date: 2024-09-25 16:50
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 4
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 3m
AI Summaries: 4/4 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Today, the financing of Rail Baltic was discussed within the framework of the Riigikogu's ninth question. The questioner was Riigikogu member Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, and the topic was Rail Baltic addressed to Prime Minister Kristen Michal. The focus of the discussion was the project's final cost to Estonia and the annual burdens on taxpayers, as well as when the project will start paying for itself and how the financing should be organized.
The government's response provided specific figures and a financing plan: during the current financing period, approximately 1.3–1.4 billion euros are foreseen for Rail Baltic, and the same level is expected in the next EU funding period. An important decision was to direct additional funds from the sale of CO2 quotas for the construction of Rail Baltic; nearly 200 million euros will be allocated for this purpose, and 75 million euros for the construction of a joint depot for Rail Baltic and Elron. The deadline for construction is 2030. The speaker pointed out that the project's profitability largely depends on the financing method, and the same financing activities are planned to continue in the future period; maintaining the pace is critical, because every delay makes the project more expensive, but with external funding, Estonia's state has potentially greater benefits than full internal financing.
Decisions Made 1
Direct the additional funds from the sale of CO2 quotas to the construction of Rail Baltic; allocate approximately 200 million euros for the construction of Rail Baltic and 75 million euros for the joint depot of Rail Baltic and Elron; the deadline for completing the project is 2030; continue funding in subsequent EU funding periods at the same level or utilize external funding/loans as needed.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Member of the Riigikogu Aleksandr Tšaplõgin (pid B7Mk-PeTvgo). He posed specific questions regarding the final cost and what the annual burden is for taxpayers concerning Rail Baltic; his role appears to be leading a curious and audit-focused control. Political position: other.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Today’s ninth question was submitted to Prime Minister Kristen Michal by Riigikogu member Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, and the subject is Rail Baltic.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He highlights that the cost per meter of Rail Baltic for taxpayers is 26,000 euros, that there is no data on when the project will start paying for itself, and he asks for the final cost for Estonia, as well as the amount we will be paying additionally every year going forward.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced that Rail Baltic funding will continue at the same magnitude during the next EU funding period, with additional money coming from the sale of CO2 quotas and approximately 200 million euros allocated to construction (75 million for the depot); the goal is to be completed by 2030, and although profitability depends on freight transport and passengers, the plan is to maintain the pace and utilize foreign funding so that the taxpayer burden decreases and the state receives greater revenues in the future.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He announced that the next question could not be taken up, as the Riigikogu plenary session begins at 14:00 and the summons must sound precisely at 13:58. He then thanked all colleagues and members of the government and promised to resume proceedings exactly at 14:00.