Estonia to substantially increase its defense budget
The Baltic country is set to increase its defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product, up from the 3.7% planned for 2026, Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced in a message published on social media network X on Tuesday.
“Our key security partner, under its new @POTUS (US President Donald Trump), has sent a clear message: NATO defense spending must increase. We know our adversary, and I completely agree: our target should be 5%. While our target for 2026 is 3.7%, we need to accelerate investment,” he wrote.
In a nationwide message, the Prime Minister also wrote: “No new taxes: funding must come from different sources, such as EU funds, public sector cuts, smart borrowing. We're ready to consult widely in Estonia.”
(MH with Ambar/Source: X/Photo: DPA/Alexander Welscher)