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Commission improves transport in Latvia with 23 new electric trains thanks to Cohesion Policy funds

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A major revamp of Latvia's rail service was inaugurated with the first of 23 new electric trains commencing its passenger service in Riga and its surrounding regional network. Co-financed by EU Cohesion Funds from the 2014 – 2020 programming period, with a total of €114 million, the highly anticipated new service departed from Riga Central Station this morning with many enthusiastic passengers.

To celebrate the project, Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis (pictured) for an economy that works for the people and commissioner for trade, together with the Latvian Transport Minister Kaspars Briškens, embarked on the inaugural journey.

Executive Vice President Dombrovskis said: “I am very pleased that EU funding is contributing to a significant upgrade of the Latvian public transport system so that thousands of passengers in the country can benefit. This new train service will improve their daily lives, connecting people and places like never before. We need to continue working with the Latvian authorities to make sure that all available EU funds are put to timely use in improving Latvia's transport infrastructure and connectivity.”.

Cohesion and Reforms Commissioner Elisa Ferreira added: “These electric trains demonstrate how Cohesion Policy supports both the green transition and the wellbeing of European citizens. EU Cohesion funds have not only enabled the construction of these trains but have also supported wider train infrastructure, such as station platforms, multimodal transport links, and better accessibility for persons with disabilities.”

The revamped rail service is expected to transport around 15 million people annually, across its regional routes. This will lead to a substantial reduction in air and noise pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and traffic jams in Riga. It will also reduce the travel time for the residents of the surrounding Pieriga.

For more information on EU funded projects in Latvia, visit Kohesio and the Cohesion Open Data Platform.

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