Government of the Republic of Estonia

02/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/20/2026 08:59

Prime Minister Michal meets Chair of the NATO Military Committee: Clear military advice supports political decision-making

Stenbock House, 20 February 2026 - Prime Minister Kristen Michal met today at Stenbock House with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, to discuss the readiness of allies, the security situation in Europe and preparations for the Alliance's summit in Ankara.

The head of government noted that NATO members agreed at the Hague Summit to increase defence spending to at least 5% of GDP by 2035. "In Ankara, every ally must demonstrate that this agreement will be honoured," he said. "Estonia is setting an example in this regard, with our defence spending already at 5.4% of GDP this year."

Prime Minister Michal said that NATO leaders need clear military advice that takes threats into account, since this contributes to political decision-making. "We need to act faster if we are to reinforce European security," he urged. "To do that, all allies need to increase their defence spending and close the gaps in their military capabilities."

Continued support for Ukraine was also discussed at the meeting. Prime Minister Michal emphasised that strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities is directly linked to the security of Europe and NATO as a whole. He said that continued assistance to Ukraine, together with security guarantees, is a precondition for achieving a just and lasting peace.

"By helping Ukraine fight for its freedom, we are also strengthening Estonia's security. In addition to providing steadfast support to Ukraine, we must, together with our allies, increase pressure on Russia so that the aggressor runs out of the oxygen it needs to continue its war," said Prime Minister Michal.

During the meeting, Estonia and NATO confirmed that they continue to work closely together with the aim of strengthening the Alliance's deterrence and defence posture and ensuring consistent and effective support for Ukraine.

Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone met with Prime Minister Michal as part of a three-day visit to Estonia. The Military Committee is NATO's highest military authority, comprising the Chiefs of Defence of all member countries. Its role is to provide the North Atlantic Council with both consensus-based advice on military strategies and guidance for NATO's strategic command level.

Gallery: NATO Sõjalise Komitee esimees admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, 20.02.2026 | Flickr

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