According to Poland's Deputy Infrastructure Minister Piotr Malepszaki, the completion of the Rail Baltic high-speed rail project is likely to be delayed by ten years, with expectations now set for 2040 instead of the initially proposed 2030. The delay is attributed to several factors including a lack of funds, technical requirements from the European Union, and rising construction costs. Malepszaki emphasized that continuing to hold onto the 2030 deadline is a form of self-deception for politicians involved in the project.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Malepszaki stated that the estimated cost for completing the Rail Baltic project reaches around 24 billion euros and suggested that improving existing infrastructure would be both cheaper and quicker. This perspective brings to light the challenges surrounding funding and project management in large infrastructure developments, especially within Europe.

Contrasting Malepszaki's assessment, Marko Kivila, chairman of the board of RB Rail, offered a more optimistic perspective, asserting that the construction plans are still in line with the 2030 goal. He pointed out that securing funding will be a key factor in achieving the timelines initially set, highlighting the ongoing debates among stakeholders regarding the feasibility and execution of the Rail Baltic project amidst economic challenges.