Latvia is actively involved in the implementation of projects for the development of the regional transport infrastructure, including the railroad project Rail Baltica and the highway project Via Baltica.

The goal of the Rail Baltica project is to renew the direct link between the Baltic states and the European railroad network, connecting the cities of Tallinn, Riga, Kaunas, Warsaw and Berlin. The Rail Baltica project is one of Latvia's priorities in the area of transport infrastructure development. Its implementation would advance Latvia's integration into the European railroad system, ensure a regular flow of passengers and freight in the North-South direction, and would have a positive effect on the development of tourism, regions and business.

Work on the project is taking place at the level of an international co-ordinating group, consisting of representatives from all the involved states, as well as at the level of national co-ordinating groups, with participation of interested ministries and regions. The Ministry of Transport of Latvia has taken on the functions of project co-ordinator between the Baltic states and Poland.

A feasibility study of the project has now been completed, and the countries involved in the project continue to assess its results. The Baltic states have agreed to draft, by 1 July 2007, plans of action to be taken at a national level on the Rail Baltica project during the period 2007-2013.

The Via Baltica project is of great significance in the area of motor highway development for Latvia and for the Baltic Sea Region in general. It is the only overland artery ensuring the free movement of people and goods between the Baltic states and Central Europe. For Latvia, this route not only ensures the harmonious integration of the highway network into the European highway network, but also promotes the development of tourism and the service sectorLatvia is currently doing the necessary preparatory work in order to successfully implement the infrastructure projects provided for in the Via Baltica investment programme for the years 2007-2013.

Rail Baltica project website: http://www.rail-baltica.net/pub/