The Estonian government has approved amendments to the state budget for 2026 and decided to allocate an additional €17 million to reinforce the border with Russia. The funds will be used to fulfill already signed contracts under the European Union external border strengthening project, according to the Estonian government press service.
Estonian Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said the government is cutting spending in other areas in order to finance key priorities.
“To continue border construction, investments in artificial intelligence, and other changes, we are reducing spending elsewhere. As a result, the budget balance will improve by €15 million,” he said.
According to Interior Minister Igor Taro, the decision is important not only for Estonia but for the whole of Europe, as it concerns the EU’s external border.
“The Estonian government’s decision gives confidence that we will not have to think about unfinished solutions and will be able to continue all planned work and complete the construction of the best and most secure external border in Europe next year,” Taro said.
The entire Estonian–Russian border is more than 338 km long, of which about 135 km is land border, mostly through difficult forested and swampy terrain. Another 76 km runs along the Narva River, and 127 km through Lake Peipus.
In September 2025, it was reported that nearly 40 km of anti-tank trenches will be dug over the next two years on Estonia’s southeastern border as part of expanded Baltic defensive fortifications.
In November, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Andrus Merilo said Estonia is reinforcing the border with “dragon’s teeth” obstacles but is also prepared to mine sections if necessary.
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur also proposed shifting budget funds to 2026 for financing the agreement to build the Hexest Materials explosives plant, originally planned for 2027–2028.
