Estonia: Defence Minister points to “reasonable limit” on spending

Estonia’s Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur, said that the Estonian Defence Forces believed that the country’s defence spending could rise to 4.5% of GDP, ERR reports. However, Pevkur emphasised the need for a “reasonable limit” due to investments in health care, social welfare, and education. He acknowledged the desire for increased spending on defence given Russia’s increased militarisation but pointed to the imperative of taxpayer capacity. Estonia’s defence spending is due to reach 3.2% of GDP in 2024. The minister highlighted ongoing defence cooperation with allies and identified ammunition shortages as the most critical issue. Pevkur expressed confidence in allied support, citing NATO defence plans and regional defence cooperation mechanisms.