NordenBladet — The National Defence Committee held an extraordinary sitting today to discuss keeping the defence spending on the current level and using loan money. The Committee adopted a relevant statement.

“The National Defence Committee firmly supports keeping the defence spending at least on the current planned nominal level. In view of the tense international security environment and the growing instability caused by the pandemic, we have the duty to ensure the sustainable development of Estonia’s defence capability.

Cutting defence spending would lead to problems today and in the future, and would undermine national defence. In case of need, we must carry out structural changes to continue developing our defence capability or close the existing capability gaps with the help of a loan.

Defence spending plans must centre on the need to stimulate Estonia’s economy.”

Minister of Finance Martin Helme, Minister of Defence Jüri Luik, and Commander of the Defence Forces Major General Martin Herem took part in the sitting.