Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
Estonia has approved a four-year, €2.8 billion additional defense funding bill in a bid to meet NATO capability targets.
The new spending will push the Baltic country’s defense budget to an average of 5.4% of GDP through 2029, up from previous levels of around 3.4%.
Estonia is already proportionally the second-highest defense spender in NATO, and the increase would place it well above U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand that member states spend at least 5% of GDP on defense.
The government’s decision will significantly boost military capabilities, equipment, stockpiles, and ammunition for the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF).
EDF chief General Andrus Merilo said the move was necessary due to a worsening security environment, citing Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the buildup of Russian operational capabilities as direct threats to Estonia.
Foreign ministers from major European nations expressed readiness to increase pressure on Russia, including potential new sanctions targeting the energy and banking sectors, to undermine its war efforts in Ukraine.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Rome on Thursday in preparation for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague later this month, where defence spending will be a key focus.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte today demanded a "quantum leap" in air defence, calling for a 400% increase and pushing for a 5% GDP security spending target.
The United States has appointed Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich as the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). This development occurs as NATO allies prepare for a summit in The Hague later this month, where they have agreed to increase defence spending to 5% of their GDP.
In this episode of Inside Politics, Anastasiya Lavrina sits down with UK MP Tobias Ellwood to unpack the growing storm of global threats. From ballooning military budgets to the shifting architecture of alliances, they explore what today’s tensions reveal about the future of global security.
UN Security Council hears Israel and Iran clash over recent nuclear strikes, with both sides presenting sharply opposing views amid growing regional tensions.
Iran launched a third wave of missile attacks early Saturday, targeting Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan, with several buildings reportedly destroyed, according to Israeli media.
Israeli airstrikes have hit an area near Mehrabad Airport in western Tehran.
Israel struck the Shahid Raisi Nuclear Power Plant in Isfahan early Saturday, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
Israel’s military confirmed early Saturday that Iran launched a new wave of missiles toward the country, triggering sirens and explosions across multiple areas.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Kazakhstan and the UK are strengthening defense ties with a new Military Cooperation Plan, focusing on peacekeeping and military education.
A 30-year-old woman was shot by police in Munich on Saturday evening after stabbing two people at Theresienwiese, a central park best known for hosting Oktoberfest.
UN Security Council hears Israel and Iran clash over recent nuclear strikes, with both sides presenting sharply opposing views amid growing regional tensions.
Iran launched a third wave of missile attacks early Saturday, targeting Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan, with several buildings reportedly destroyed, according to Israeli media.
Israeli airstrikes have hit an area near Mehrabad Airport in western Tehran.
Israel struck the Shahid Raisi Nuclear Power Plant in Isfahan early Saturday, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
Israel’s military confirmed early Saturday that Iran launched a new wave of missiles toward the country, triggering sirens and explosions across multiple areas.
UN Security Council hears Israel and Iran clash over recent nuclear strikes, with both sides presenting sharply opposing views amid growing regional tensions.
Iran launched a third wave of missile attacks early Saturday, targeting Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan, with several buildings reportedly destroyed, according to Israeli media.
Israeli airstrikes have hit an area near Mehrabad Airport in western Tehran.
Israel struck the Shahid Raisi Nuclear Power Plant in Isfahan early Saturday, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
Israel’s military confirmed early Saturday that Iran launched a new wave of missiles toward the country, triggering sirens and explosions across multiple areas.
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