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
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas ends visit to Yerevan aimed at strengthening partnership with Armenia

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas ends visit to Yerevan aimed at strengthening partnership with Armenia

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has ended her official visit to Armenia after signing a partnership agreement with authorities in Yerevan. Following talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, a joint press conference was held in which the media was briefed about an agreement outlining Armenia’s participation in the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy crisis management operations. According to Kallas, the document envisions Armenia’s participation in EU missions around the world.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas ends visit to Yerevan aimed at strengthening partnership with Armenia

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas ends visit to Yerevan aimed at strengthening partnership with Armenia

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has ended her official visit to Armenia after signing a partnership agreement with authorities in Yerevan. Following talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, a joint press conference was held in which the media was briefed about an agreement outlining Armenia’s participation in the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy crisis management operations. According to Kallas, the document envisions Armenia’s participation in EU missions around the world.