Estonia to boost defence budget significantly

The Baltic country is preparing to increase its defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP), up from 3.7% planned for 2026. This was announced by Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

"Our key security partner, under its new @POTUS, has sent a clear message: NATO defense spending must increase. We know our opponent, and I fully agree – our goal should be 5%. While our 2026 target is 3,7%, we must accelerate investments", he wrote.

In the message, the Prime Minister also wrote: "No new taxes: funding must come from diverse sources such as EU funds, public sector cuts, smart borrowing. Ready for broad consultations in Estonia and discussions with EU colleagues at EUCO”

Estonia, which borders Russia and has a large Russian minority, joined NATO in 2004 along with the other Baltic states and four other former Soviet Warsaw Pact allies. Last year, the country of less than one and a half million people spent around €1.5 billion on its armed forces, fifteen times less than the Netherlands.

Source: commonspace.eu with agencies
Photo: An Estonian soldier carries an artillery round in this undated photo. Estonian Ministry of Defence

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.