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Illustration of the tunnel that will combine Finland and Estonia (website of the Finnish Broadcasting Corporation)
A Bloomberg report indicates that the project to build the world's longest maritime rail tunnel between Finland and Estonia is facing a first major hurdle.
Finland and Estonia have agreed to finance 15 billion euros this year to create a tunnel linking the two countries. But Estonia, which has 1.3 million inhabitants, wants more details on the source of funding, the action plan and the role of Finland in the project before giving a final green light.
"We need to understand where the money comes from," said Estonian Minister of Economy Tavi Aas.
"Where are the guarantees that the project will be completed?" "The developer has not been able to tell us the approximate number of people who should cross this tunnel."
The tunnel between Helsinki, the Finnish capital, and Tallinn is 100 km away and requires the construction of at least one artificial island. The project was founded by Finnish entrepreneur Peter Vesterba, who previously worked for Rovio Entertainment, developer of the video game Angry Birds.
The financing, which will be provided by the Chinese company Touchstone Capital Partners, will cover the full cost of the project, announced in March the company in charge of the construction of the tunnel Finest by Area Development.
A study commissioned by both countries last year showed that tunnel construction would be possible through a public-private partnership, with EU assistance covering 40% of the cost, between 13 and 20 billion d & # 39; euros.
In a speech last month, the Estonian Minister of Public Administration, Jack Abe, said that the current schedule for opening the tunnel in 2024 was unrealistic. A study conducted in 2018 showed that the construction process would take 15 years.
"We are working to provide more detailed responses to the government so that you can make a decision as quickly as possible," said Paul Connap, the lawyer representing the project developer.
Sabina Lindström, Managing Director of Network Management of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland, said the tunnel project had not been examined by the Finnish government and that the idea was not part of it. of his political program.
"We had informal talks with our Estonian colleagues about the idea of a memorandum of understanding, but until now, they have not sent an official request signature, "she said.
Estonia is waiting to sign a memorandum with Finland this month, according to Jack's letter in August.
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