BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 18. On Tuesday, August
19, Kristīne Malnača, Deputy State Secretary of Latvia’s Ministry
of Transport for Rail Baltica project matters, will step down from
her position, Trend reports.

“I would like to thank Kristīne Malnača for her significant and
extensive contribution, which has strengthened the Ministry of
Transport’s strategic role in the management of the Rail Baltica
project. Her long-standing experience and in-depth knowledge of the
transport sector have been crucial in moving Latvia toward our
common goal—creating a fast and environmentally friendly connection
to the European rail network. I wish her success in her future
professional endeavors,” said State Secretary of the Ministry of
Transport Andulis Židkovs.

Malnača has held the post since June 2024. Under Malnača’s
leadership, important progress was achieved in advancing the Rail
Baltica project in Latvia, including strengthening cooperation with
stakeholders and providing support on cross-sectoral issues. A
financially sustainable implementation scenario was developed for
Latvia, and the government approved the scope of the project’s
first phase.

She also oversaw securing funding from the Recovery Fund to
resume construction at Riga Central Station’s southern section, as
well as finding a solution for creating a rail link to Riga
International Airport. Together with project implementers,
technical solutions were identified that will significantly reduce
mainline construction costs in Latvia.

In addition, amendments to the Rail Baltica Law were prepared
under her supervision, clarifying institutional responsibilities
and introducing special provisions to ensure more effective and
faster project delivery in Latvia. Malnača also actively
represented the Ministry of Transport at international conferences,
seminars, and working groups, strengthening the project’s
visibility and maintaining the European Commission’s support for
Latvia’s role in the initiative.

A competitive selection process will be initiated to designate a
new Deputy State Secretary responsible for Rail Baltica
initiatives. Until that juncture, Gatis Silovs, the incumbent
Director of the Rail Baltica Project Department, will persist in
executing the responsibilities associated with the position.

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