The new Estonian government, which officially took office on Monday, plans to increase military spending to 3% of GDP, tighten sanctions against Russia and raise a number of taxes, the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers said.
⠀
According to the coalition agreement, 3% of national GDP will be allocated for defense spending over four years, to which will be added the cost of deploying allies. The main directions for the development of the Defense Forces will be the development of multi-level air defense systems (including protection against drones), long-range missile systems and an increase in stockpiles of ammunition.
⠀
In addition, measures will be taken to support the Estonian defense industry and an industrial park for the production of ammunition, weapons and drones will be created. A cyber defense unit and a rapid response unit will also be created to operate in the information space, the agreement says.
⠀
Estonia intends to call for an increase in military spending by NATO countries to 2.5% of GDP, work to ensure that NATO allies deploy modern weapons systems in Estonia and increase the amount of military equipment and ammunition deployed.
⠀
“Estonia will advocate tougher sanctions against Russia in the European Union and support Ukraine economically, politically and militarily, advocating its admission to NATO, as well as supporting the early start of negotiations on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the EU,” the press service fragment of the contract says.
⠀
The coalition agreement also states that in the field of foreign policy, Estonia will support the further enlargement of the European Union and NATO, as well as develop comprehensive cooperation with the United States as a strategic partner.
