Lithuania and Poland to cooperate in defining the future transport budget of the European Union
Joint projects of transport infrastructure, similar development level of both countries as the Member States of the European Union (EU), common convergence goals and higher added value of transport infrastructure – these are the contact points between Lithuania and Poland that were discussed by Mr. Rokas Masiulis, Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications, and Mr. Jerzy Kwiecinski, Polish Minister of Investments and Economic Development.
“The future EU transport budget after 2020 has to ensure the possibility to implement strategic projects of borderline transport infrastructure between Lithuania and Poland – railway connection “RailBaltica”, highways “Via Baltica” and “Via Carpatia”. These are the projects of European significance and have to be supported by the EU”, – stressed Minister R. Masiulis.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed common offer of the EU budget for new financial perspective 2021–2027. In the ministers’ opinion, CEF common budget and structure provides hopes, but the offer to reduce the Cohesion Fund does not seem balanced. The ministers regarded favourably the offer of budget for Military Mobility Fund, according to which it is planned to finance adjustment of transport infrastructure of double purpose (military and civil) to specific requirements of military mobility. It is especially relevant for transport infrastructure in the Suwalki corridor between Lithuania and Poland with regard to both, road transport and railway line “RailBaltica”.
The ministers agreed to coordinate their positions during the negotiations concerning new EU budget.
The implementation perspectives of the project “RailBaltica” in both countries were discussed in more detail during the meeting; the route “Via Carpatia” as a catalyst of economic development in eastern Poland was introduced; and the Polish transport node covering airport, rail and road transport that is planned to be established in central Poland, near to Warsaw, was presented.
