Lithuania, Estonia boost defence spending in response to Trump’s pressure

Lithuania and Estonia have pledged to increase their defence spending to over 5 per cent of their GDP, responding to US President Donald Trump’s "good and constructive pressure."

Lithuania, bordering Russia, will raise its defence spending from 2.9 per cent to between 5 per cent and 6 per cent by 2030, with Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys calling it essential for their survival, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

"We cannot ignore those messages," he said, referring to pressure from the US, but emphasized that bolstering military capabilities is vital for Lithuania.

Estonia has followed suit, with Prime Minister Kristen Michal stating his country will target 5 per cent of GDP for defence spending, up from 3.7 per cent, which already exceeds US defence expenditure.

"Our key security partner, under its new president, has sent a clear message: NATO defence spending must increase. We know our opponent, and I fully agree — our goal should be 5 per cent," Michal said.

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, NATO plans to raise its informal defence spending target from 2 per cent to 3-3.5 per cent in June 2025. However, Trump has urged NATO members to aim for 5 per cent, a figure supported by countries like Poland, which currently spends over 4 per cent. Out of NATO's 32 members, 23 met the 2 per cent target in 2024, but nations such as Spain, Italy, and Belgium spent less than 1.5 per cent.

In response to concerns about financing, Budrys said Lithuania will fund its defence increase through borrowing and European financial instruments. Michal mentioned potential “public sector cuts” to manage costs. However, opposition figures in Lithuania question the feasibility of such a dramatic rise in spending, fearing it could disrupt the social contract.

Other NATO countries, like Romania, are also considering increasing their defence budgets, though not to the 5 per cent level. Romania has committed to significant investments, including F-35 fighter jets and Patriot air defence systems. Despite Romania’s high budget deficit, Finance Minister Barna Tánczos affirmed that defence spending will remain at 2 per cent of GDP, with potential for further increases.

By Vafa Guliyeva