TALLINN, Estonia (ChatnewsTV) — The Estonian government has reached an agreement in principle on the state budget for 2024, emphasizing national security, economic growth, and financial sustainability. Prime Minister Kristen Michal highlighted the importance of the budget in ensuring stability and predictability, especially in defense spending and taxation.
“Estonia will have a security-focused budget and stability regarding taxes until the next elections in 2027,” Michal said on Tuesday. The government aims to end the recent flurry of tax proposals and introduce a broad-based security tax to support defense investments, including purchasing munitions and boosting the defense industry.
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stressed the need for fiscal responsibility, saying, “The primary task of the government is to ensure that the state endures.” He acknowledged that budget decisions required sacrifices across ministries to restore financial stability.
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets emphasized the importance of both national defense and economic security for citizens, noting that attention was paid to job creation, family welfare, and public services. “It’s crucial that we keep pensions growing and maintain the quality of health care,” Läänemets added.
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas underscored the role of education in driving economic competitiveness. “Smart Estonians create added value in the economy,” she said, advocating for increased investment in higher education and vocational training.
The budget, which will cover the years 2025 to 2028, is set to be approved by the government on September 25, with Prime Minister Michal presenting it to the Riigikogu the following day.
