The opposition party Isamaa (“Fatherland”) in the Estonian parliament has expressed its dissatisfaction with the proposed European Union budget, highlighting insufficient defense funding. This was reported by the party leader Urmas Reinsalu.
The budget under discussion covers the period from 2028 to 2034 and is currently in the negotiation phase. Difficult talks are expected among EU member states.
Reinsalu noted that although the proposal appears ambitious, it carries risks and uncertainties, especially regarding defense spending.
“The proposed measures do not represent a strategic shift: only about 18 billion euros per year are planned for defense, while the total defense expenditures of all EU member states last year amounted to 350 billion. This is not a significant change. Estonia must unequivocally push for increased defense spending.”
– Urmas Reinsalu
In contrast, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas views the proposed budget positively, emphasizing the quality work of the European Commission, particularly for Estonia.
“We have long been saying that funding for defense capabilities must increase. Assistance to Ukraine also remains on the agenda.”
– Kaja Kallas
Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU’s long-term budget for 2028-2034 includes 100 billion euros to support Ukraine.
According to Bloomberg data, the total EU budget draft for this period amounts to about 2 trillion euros, nearly double the previous seven-year budget.