NATO official announcements, NATO website

Estonia to Raise Defense Spending to 4% of GDP Amid Russian Threats, Adopts Austerity Measures

Jul 26, 2024, 04:21 AM

Estonia plans to raise its defense spending to 4% of GDP, one of the highest levels in NATO, to bolster national security after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The commitment to increased defense spending was discussed in a meeting between Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur and U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (RepMikeRogersAL). Estonia is already committed to spending more than 3% of GDP on defense. Estonia's new Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that the country has no choice but to adopt austerity measures, including tax increases and reduced state spending, to enhance its security against threats from Russia. They also agreed that NATO needs to increase the 2% defense spending requirement for its members to deter Russian aggression.