Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has called on NATO members to accelerate defense investment, proposing a clear milestone: defense spending should rise to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2030. The directive comes as Tallinn aligns with broader regional security goals and seeks to reinforce deterrence across the alliance. The remarks were reported by DEA News, referencing the press service of the Estonian Ministry of Defense, which highlighted the minister’s assertion that steady progress is essential to preserving strategic balance in Northern Europe.
The minister’s remarks were delivered in the context of his participation in the Northern Group defense ministers meeting held in Poland. The gathering served as a platform for allied leaders to exchange assessments of current threats and to discuss practical steps for strengthening the European defense posture. Pevkur underscored that a 2.5 percent target would not simply be a symbolic figure but a concrete floor that would drive procurement, research and development, and personnel readiness across member states. In his view, setting this higher target would create a durable framework for sustaining military capabilities in the face of evolving challenges.
According to Pevkur, while a 2 percent benchmark remains a common reference point for many NATO members, it is insufficient given today’s security environment. He argued that a longer horizon is warranted to allow countries to calibrate their budgets, align defense programs with alliance priorities, and ensure that peacetime economies can absorb the costs without compromising other essential public services. The Estonian position emphasizes the importance of a predictable, conditions-based approach that enables steady investment in capabilities such as cyber defense, long-range precision munitions, and modernized logistics networks. Observers note that Tallinn’s stance resonates with the broader strategy of reinforcing deterrence in allied territory and safeguarding critical lines of communication in the Baltic region.
In a related diplomatic thread, former Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen presented a new strategy for Denmark’s foreign and security policy. The plan outlines a gradual increase in defense spending to 2 percent of GDP by 2030 as a central pillar of national resilience and regional security. The document stresses that strengthening Denmark’s defense and European security architecture is essential to counter a range of modern threats. It envisions a more capable Danish armed forces, upgraded defense-industrial capabilities, and closer coordination with European allies to ensure rapid collective response to any contingency. The message from Copenhagen aligns with a growing consensus that credible defense commitments are foundational to sustained stability in Europe and beyond. Denmark’s approach also highlights the role of allied training, interoperability, and joint exercises as practical means to translate budget targets into tangible readiness gains.
Analysts note that the push for higher defense spending reflects a broader shift in Western security thinking, where alliance cohesion and credible deterrence are seen as critical to deterring aggression and maintaining a stable international order. Supporters of the 2.5 percent target stress that increased investment is not merely about expanding force size but about modernizing equipment, expanding cyber and space capabilities, and ensuring that military personnel have the training and support required to perform under demanding conditions. Critics, meanwhile, caution that sustained fiscal discipline and transparent governance are essential to ensure that higher expenditures translate into real operational advantages rather than simply growing budgets. The dialogue between Estonia, Denmark, and other NATO members indicates a continental push toward more predictable defense planning and a shared commitment to maintaining a robust, responsive alliance in the face of evolving threats.
As the alliance continues to navigate a complex security landscape, policymakers emphasize a pragmatic path forward that balances ambition with fiscal reality. By advocating for a defined milestone by 2030, Estonia and its partners aim to provide a clear signal to both members and potential adversaries about the seriousness of the alliance’s defense posture. The conversation will likely shape budgetary debates in capitals across North America and Europe, influencing procurement programs, industrial partnerships, and the tempo of multilateral exercises. The ultimate objective remains a secure and stable Euro-Atlantic region, underpinned by steady, transparent investment in defense capabilities that can adapt to emerging threats while sustaining economic resilience across member nations.