The updated National Security Concept (NSC) provides a clear and comprehensive framework for ensuring Estonia’s security in a changed international environment. “We have clarified the substance of our comprehensive national defence, highlighted the role of society and the economy in security, and set more ambitious targets for both deterrence and defence,” explained Director of National Security and Defence Coordination Unit, Erkki Tori. “At the very heart of our security is our people’s willingness to defend themselves and their determination to prevail – that is, the principle that Estonia will never surrender.”
The NSC was drafted in a volatile security environment where growing global instability and rivalry increase the risk of tension and conflict. Russia remains the greatest threat to Estonia and to Euro-Atlantic security. Changes in the strategic interests of the United States have led to a situation that requires European countries to take greater responsibility for ensuring their common security.
The core objective of the strategy document is to set targets to bolster Estonia’s security in five interconnected areas of action: social cohesion and civil protection; economic security and critical services; internal security; military defence; and international activities. Throughout, it addresses security according to the principle of comprehensive defence, wherein the state, local government units, businesses that provide vital services, communities and every individual have a role to play.
Compared to the previous NSC, which was approved in 2023, the latest version has reinforced a number of key directions. Greater emphasis is placed on civil protection as a distinct and systematic field of action to protect people from the risks arising from crises and to help them mitigate the consequences. NSC also calls for people to be able to cope independently for at least seven days. The objective of boosting security of supply and the resilience of society as a whole is also highlighted, with society expected to maintain at least 30 days’ worth of emergency stocks. The concept of economic security has been significantly broadened, including ensuring critical services and security of supply.
Energy security, security of supply and the role of the state in crisis situations, including the need to ensure functioning interconnections, are addressed more specifically in the NSC. Within digital space, the cross-cutting importance of cybersecurity and information security and the responsibility of all parties are underscored. The handling of hybrid threats is also clarified, with a focus on reducing vulnerability and ensuring flexible responses. Estonia’s security is closely linked to the internal security of Europe as a whole and is considered in this context, with a focus on strengthening borders, implementing sanctions and enhancing readiness to act in a changing security environment.
At the core of military defence is Estonia’s strengthened defence posture, which is based on independent defence capability and collective defence. The principle of active defence is introduced in the concept, and particular emphasis is placed on readiness to act quickly and decisively. The NSC reiterates the already approved ambitious target to allocate at least 5% of GDP to military defence. In light of changes in the international security order, greater emphasis is placed on Europe’s responsibility to ensure its own security. Both European and transatlantic unity are important to Estonia.
The NSC is revised at least once every four years in accordance with changes in the security environment or Estonia’s capacity to ensure its security.
The NSC is drafted by the Government and approved by the Riigikogu (Parliament). The drafting of the latest version was led by the Government Office with contributions from all ministries and the Bank of Estonia. Researchers from the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences and the Baltic Defence College, experts in the field, journalists, the Foreign Affairs and National Defence committees of the Riigikogu and the International Centre for Defence and Security were also involved.
The draft of National Security Concept has been submitted to ministries for public coordination.
