"There are different gradations in the EU," says Mr. Strakshas, "speed levels for trains. Rail Baltica is planned at a level that allows speeds of up to 249 kilometers per hour, and this is considered a high-speed train. The next, highest level would be much more expensive." "If the project is not economic but political, then in that case, it is necessary to understand where the funding will come from," A. Strakshas reflects, "Because it will not finance itself. This means that money will always have to be sourced from somewhere. This project is too large for the three small Baltic states to finance it without problems. After all, all other sectors will suffer – education, health, etc. This project will compete with all other sectors, but it must be prioritized. If funding for maintenance is not provided, it will have to be closed." "The current project is criticized for lacking added value, but the politicians' proposal does not create added value either. This would lead to even greater confusion, because there is still no Northern crossing. A tunnel could be built. But this has not yet been studied. And there can be no talk of 2030 then. If this were a normal, private project, there would be a normal, logical solution – first, a line would be built from Estonia through Salaspils to Lithuania, and only then would everything else be attached to it. Once funding appears, the route connects to the Central Station, when money is available, then it connects to the airport, then to the port. And right now, there is still no route, and the politicians' proposal would only increase the chaos." "Why finance a high-speed train route for military transport needs? This is absurd. And there are many contradictions and troubles. There will only be one route. This means there will not be a fast route there, because the trains will have to change, they will wait for each other in places where they can pass each other."