US allocates $200 million to strengthen Baltic security

The US Congress on February 3 approved the 2026 National Defence Appropriations Act, allocating $200 million to strengthen the security of the Baltic states, according to US congressional resources and the Estonian government’s press service.

The funds will support the Baltic Security Initiative, a US-Baltic programme aimed at developing defence capabilities and ensuring interoperability among countries in the region.

The bill passed the House of Representatives by 217 votes to 214, after earlier being approved by the Senate by 71 votes to 29, and now awaits the signature of US President Donald Trump.

In addition, under a separate budget line through the Foreign Military Financing instrument, an extra $10 million has been allocated to support Estonia’s security.

The Baltic Security Initiative was launched in 2020 to enhance the defence capabilities of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia and to ensure their interoperability with NATO.

In 2025, the Baltic states received $231 million through the initiative, the largest amount allocated since the programme was established.

Baltic officials welcomed the decision, with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stressing that continued US assistance confirms Washington’s readiness to strengthen defence on NATO’s eastern flank.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said the move reinforces transatlantic ties and enhances deterrence in the Baltic region.

By Jeyhun Aghazada