by Alimat Aliyeva
Estonia’s defense budget is set to reach nearly 4% of GDP in
2025, reflecting the country’s commitment to strengthening NATO’s
collective security, Azernews reports.
Estonian President Alar Karis made this statement during a
meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki.
“We both invest significantly in collective defense. Last year,
Estonia’s defense spending amounted to 3.4% of GDP. This year, we
will reach almost 4%. And soon, perhaps, we may move to 5%,” Karis
was quoted as saying by his press service.
At the same time, he emphasized that “5% is not just a figure,
it is a specific calculation of the cost of maintaining NATO
troops.”
He praised the close cooperation with Finland in the areas of
defense and security, both on a bilateral basis and as NATO allies.
Karis also underscored the importance and benefits of transatlantic
relations for both the European Union and the United States.
The two leaders also discussed various challenges related to
enhancing defense readiness, energy security, protecting critical
infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, and actions against the shadow
fleet.
Estonia’s defense spending growth reflects its commitment to
strengthening NATO’s collective defense and its awareness of
regional security challenges. The move to potentially increase
spending to 5% highlights Estonia’s determination to ensure a
robust defense posture, particularly in the face of heightened
tensions in the region.
This strategic investment aligns with broader European efforts
to bolster defense capabilities amid geopolitical shifts and
growing concerns over cybersecurity and hybrid threats. The
collaboration between Estonia and Finland sets a strong example of
Nordic-Baltic defense unity.