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Foreign Minister Tsahkna in Luxembourg: First-time defence allocations make the next EU budget historic

Republic of Estonia - Defence Forces

21.10.2025 | 13:23

On 21 October, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna took part in the General Affairs Council meeting of the European Union in Luxembourg, where ministers held their first high-level discussion on the EU's next long-term budget.

"Estonia supports the European Commission's proposal for the next seven-year EU budget to be larger, more flexible, and simpler than the previous one. A budget of nearly two trillion euros would allow the Union to invest in existing areas as well as, for the first time, in the defence capabilities of its member states," Tsahkna said. Today's discussion was a continuation of the talks held last week in Tallinn between Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin.

"In light of the current security situation and geopolitical developments, it is essential that the EU's next long-term budget includes resources to strengthen the defence and deterrence posture of member states, provide comprehensive support to Ukraine, and improve cross-border connectivity — which is key to ensuring the EU's competitiveness," Tsahkna said, referring to Estonia's Rail Baltic rail connection project. "The first-ever allocations for defence make the next EU budget truly historic."

"For Estonia, it is also important that the eastern border states most affected by Russian aggression receive support not only in the field of defence, but also in addressing the economic and social impacts," the Foreign Minister added.

In addition to the next EU budget, today's discussions in Luxembourg covered a legislative simplification package, EU values in Hungary, and the European Democracy Shield initiative. Preparations were also made for the European Council meeting on 23-24 October, where the main focus will be on Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

"Only pressure on the aggressor and support for the victim can lead to a just and lasting peace. Therefore, the EU must urgently adopt the 19th sanctions package, begin work on the 20th package, mobilise Russia's frozen assets, move forward with launching the special tribunal, and open the first cluster of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations," Tsahkna said. "The leaders' meeting at the end of the week must deliver appropriate decisions on these matters."