Prime Minister Michal: Our national security is guided by the principle that Estonia will never surrender

Prime Minister Michal noted that the National Security Concept needs to be renewed to jointly agree on what we will do to confront present threats and risks. "Russia continues to be the greatest existential security threat to Estonia and Europe. The war years have clearly shown that this threat cannot be resolved, as Russia's goal continues to be to subjugate all of Ukraine and change the security architecture of Europe. The threat can be reduced by being prepared ourselves - as a state and a society. Russia cannot be allowed to even think of actually posing a danger to us. Estonia is and will remain a safe place for the people living here, as well as for investors and tourists," said Michal.

According to the prime minister, the new National Security Concept is based on the principle of broad comprehensive ational defence, where everyone has a role to play - not only those in uniform and in state institutions, but in local governments, companies providing vital services, as well as each individual. "The fundamental principle of Estonian security policy remains the same. Our main goal is to prevent war by deterring the enemy and make aggression against Estonia unfeasible. If deterrence fails, Estonia will defend itself in any case, against all threats, and against any enemy, no matter how preponderant, with the aim of winning the war. I repeat: Estonia will never surrender," confirmed Michal to the Riigikogu.

The National Security Concept constitutes Estonian strategic framework document for shaping national security and serves as the basis for the preparation of sectoral development and action plans. The strategy document sets objectives for strengthening Estonian security across five interconnected areas: social cohesion and civil protection, economic security and vital services, internal security, military defence, and international activities.

The new National Security Concept places greater emphasis on civil protection, aimed at safeguarding people from threats arising from crises and mitigating their potential consequences. It is also necessary for people to be prepared to cope on their own for at least seven days. The document also highlights the objective of strengthening the crisis resilience and security of supply of society as a whole, according to which society should have the capacity to cope for at least 30 days in the event that international land, sea, and air connections are temporarily disrupted or severed. The approach to economic security has been significantly expanded, including in relation to the provision of vital services and ensuring security of supply.

Energy security and security of supply as well as the role of the state in crisis situations are addressed in greater detail than before, including the need to ensure effective communications. In the digital sphere, the document emphasises the overarching importance of cyber and information security, as well as the responsibility of every stakeholder. The approach to hybrid threats has also been refined, with a focus on reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring a flexible response capability. Our security is considered in close connection with the security of all of Europe, and the focus of our internal security is on strengthening the border, implementing sanctions, and improving readiness to act in a changed security situation.

At the core of military defence is the strengthened defence posture of Estonia, based on both independent defence capability and collective defence. The principle of active defence has been introduced as a new concept, alongside an emphasis on readiness to act rapidly and decisively. The document reaffirms the more ambitious objective of allocating at least 5% of the GDP to military defence spending. Additional investments will be directed, among other things, to air defence, drone capabilities, electronic warfare, and the development of deep combat capabilities. For the first time, the defence industry is also considered an important part of national defence.

In international activities, Estonia continues to consider prioritise a strong European Union, NATO, as well as regional and other cooperation formats that contribute to European unity and support for Ukraine, with the aim of maintaining a world order based on the rules of international law. Estonia actively participates in preventing Russian aggression and holding aggressors accountable.

Government Communication Unit, Government Office