Parlt speaker in Brussels: Estonia supports increasing NATO defense spending to 5 pct

TALLINN - Speaker of the Estonian parliament Lauri Hussar delivered a speech at the NATO parliamentary summit on Friday, naming Russia as still the biggest threat to the security of the allies.

Hussar said in his speech to his colleagues that Russia’s actions were not a threat to only the eastern flank but also elsewhere, Riigikogu spokespeople said.

"Russia’s militant groups are being formed in Sahel, it strives for strategic goals in the Arctic and its shadow fleet navigates through our waters untouched. Therefore, we are counting on the NATO summit to make bold decisions that will ensure the long-term security of our transatlantic unity," he said.

The speaker of the Riigikogu highlighted Estonia’s commitment to raise its defense spending to 5.4 percent between 2026 and 2029.

"We support the proposed NATO 5 percent target, and we think it should be reached by 2030," Hussar said.

Hussar also stressed the need for NATO to continue its long-term political and military support for Ukraine and its open door policy.

"Ukraine’s accession to NATO is the most reliable security guarantee for both Ukraine and the entire alliance," he said.

The main topic at the NATO parliamentary summit is the rapid increase of defense spending of the allies, as well as the strengthening of defense industries, and the organization of large-scale joint procurements to meet NATO’s defense plans and capability goals.

This meeting of the speakers is convened by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly ahead of the NATO summit, which will take place on June 24 and 25 in The Hague, the Netherlands. Prime Minister Kristen Michal will represent Estonia at the NATO summit.