The government approved the new National Security Concept of Estonia

According to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, the National Security Concept of Estonia establishes the principles by which the state, society, businesses, and every individual can strengthen our shared security in an increasingly unpredictable world. "The objective is to ensure that our security rests on solid foundations, regardless of circumstances. At the heart of it all lies the will to defend and the will to prevail - the principle that Estonia will never surrender. We will defend Estonia under any circumstances against every threat and against any adversary, no matter the size," said Michal.

The National Security Concept has been drafted at a time when growing global instability and confrontation are increasing the risk of tensions and conflicts. "Russia remains the greatest security threat to Estonia and to Euro-Atlantic security as a whole. The evolving environment requires European countries to assume greater responsibility for ensuring our collective security," Prime Minister Michal noted.

The National Security Concept shapes Estonia's security policy and serves as the basis for the preparation of sectoral development and action plans. The 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 cooperation. Security is approached from the overarching perspective of national defence, in which the state, local authorities, providers of vital services, communities, and every individual all have a role to play.

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 necessary for people to be prepared to cope on their own for at least seven days. The document also introduces 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 field of economic security has been significantly elaborated, including in relation to the provision of vital services and ensuring the security of supply.

Energy security and security of supply, as well as the role of the state in crisis situations, and the need to ensure effective communications are addressed in greater detail. 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. Estonian security is viewed in close connection with the security of Europe as a whole, with a particular focus on strengthening borders, implementing sanctions, and improving preparedness to operate in a changed security environment.

At the core of military defence is the strengthened defence posture of Estonia, based on both independent defence capability and collective defence. The document introduces the principle of active defence, alongside an emphasis on readiness to act rapidly and decisively. The document reaffirms the more ambitious objective of allocating at least 5% of GDP to military defence. In light of changes in the international security environment, greater emphasis is placed on Europe assuming increased responsibility for its security. Both transatlantic unity and European unity remain of key importance to Estonia.

The National Security Concept will be supplemented or amended in line with changes in the security environment and the ability of Estonia to ensure its security. As a general principle, the strategy document will be updated at least once every four years.

The National Security Concept is prepared by the Government and is subject to approval by the Riigikogu. The drafting process was led by the Government Office, with contributions from all ministries, the Foreign Affairs Committee and National Defence Committee of the Parliament, and the Bank of Estonia. Researchers from the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences and the Baltic Defence College, as well as experts of the sector, journalists, and the International Centre for Defence and Security were also involved in the process.

• [email protected]