The completion of the Warsaw–Helsinki route in Poland with the opening of the Łomża bypass signifies a significant milestone for NATO’s eastern flank defense. The 970 km expressway, running from Warsaw to the border town of Budzisko, is now 320 km complete, allowing drivers to reach the border in just three hours. However, progress across the Baltic states is slower, with Lithuania aiming to finish its section by 2030 and Latvia facing delays. Estonia, frustrated by bottlenecks such as a bridge on the Salaca River, eagerly awaits smoother travel on the Tallinn–Warsaw route.
Meanwhile, the future of the Rail Baltica project, a high-speed railway connecting Helsinki to Warsaw, is uncertain. Originally estimated at €5.8 billion in 2017, the cost has now skyrocketed to €23.8 billion, surpassing the financial capabilities of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Despite these challenges, completing the entire route will be essential for enhancing connectivity and mobility in the region.