Defence Ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania met at Ämari Air Base to align positions ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague this June. The meeting focused on strengthening European defence readiness, increasing defence spending, advancing the Baltic Defence Line initiative, enhancing investments in the defence industry, and supporting Ukraine.
“The primary topic of today’s discussion with my Latvian and Lithuanian colleagues was, unsurprisingly, defence spending,” said Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur. “Estonia is committed to allocating approximately 5.4% of GDP annually to defence from 2026 to 2029. Together, the Baltic States agree that in today’s security environment, it is essential for NATO Allies to raise their defence spending to at least 5% of GDP.”
Minister Pevkur also emphasised the importance of boosting investments in the defence industry at both EU and national levels. “We must reinforce our own defence capabilities, for example, by making use of EU joint borrowing mechanisms,” he said.
Ministers also reviewed progress on the joint Baltic Defence Line, a vital component of NATO’s new regional defence plans and eastern flank deterrence. They agreed on a coordinated approach to apply for EU funding for the project in the coming months, aiming to formalise the request at the June European Council.
The Baltic States reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine and their commitment to provide military assistance equivalent to at least 0.25% of GDP for as long as necessary. “We do not support any attempts to pressure Ukraine into unjust negotiations,” Pevkur stated. “Peace must come on Ukraine’s terms and with full respect for its territorial integrity.”
Another key discussion point was Russia’s shadow fleet activity in the Baltic Sea.
“Incidents involving Russia’s shadow fleet are increasingly systematic. We are witnessing a situation where the Russian Federation has effectively launched a military operation to protect it,” said Pevkur. “This proves that our efforts to monitor and sanction these operations have been effective—and we must now intensify them. The shadow fleet fuels Russia’s war machine and violates international norms.”
Estonia will assume the lead of the Baltic Defence Ministers’ meeting format in 2025, taking over from Lithuania, the chairing country in 2024.
Minister Pevkur also emphasised the importance of boosting investments in the defence industry at both EU and national levels. “We must reinforce our own defence capabilities, for example, by making use of EU joint borrowing mechanisms,” he said.
Ministers also reviewed progress on the joint Baltic Defence Line, a vital component of NATO’s new regional defence plans and eastern flank deterrence. They agreed on a coordinated approach to apply for EU funding for the project in the coming months, aiming to formalise the request at the June European Council.
The Baltic States reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine and their commitment to provide military assistance equivalent to at least 0.25% of GDP for as long as necessary. “We do not support any attempts to pressure Ukraine into unjust negotiations,” Pevkur stated. “Peace must come on Ukraine’s terms and with full respect for its territorial integrity.”
Another key discussion point was Russia’s shadow fleet activity in the Baltic Sea.
“Incidents involving Russia’s shadow fleet are increasingly systematic. We are witnessing a situation where the Russian Federation has effectively launched a military operation to protect it,” said Pevkur. “This proves that our efforts to monitor and sanction these operations have been effective—and we must now intensify them. The shadow fleet fuels Russia’s war machine and violates international norms.”
Estonia will assume the lead of the Baltic Defence Ministers’ meeting format in 2025, taking over from Lithuania, the chairing country in 2024.
No replies