Key facts
- Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that the EU must increase its defense spending and support for Ukraine.
- Michal warned that the cost of Russian aggression would far outweigh current investment in deterrence.
- He noted that European allies and Canada increased defense spending by over $139 billion in the past year.
- Estonia is investing more than 5 percent of its GDP in defense and urged other NATO allies to match this target.
Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal has urged the European Union to increase its defense spending and bolster support for Ukraine, asserting that failing to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin would ultimately be more costly than investing in security measures now. Speaking ahead of a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Michal emphasized that the time for debate is over and the focus must be on the speed of delivery for enhanced European security, stating that a stronger Europe strengthens NATO.
Michal highlighted that supporting Ukraine is already contributing to Europe's security and that a scenario where Russia achieves its objectives would be significantly more expensive than current aid to Ukraine. He pointed to the substantial increase in defense spending by European allies and Canada, which rose by over $139 billion in the past year, driven by Russia's actions. Estonia itself is investing more than 5 percent of its GDP in defense and is calling on fellow NATO members to reach similar targets.
EU leaders are set to discuss defense spending and the bloc's budget at multiple summits later this year. The upcoming NATO summit, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, will also be a venue for European nations to demonstrate their commitment to taking greater responsibility for continental defense, aiming to strengthen the transatlantic alliance.