According to the survey carried out in March 2026, more than two thirds of Estonian residents believe that defence spending should either be increased or maintained at the current level. 35% of respondents support further increases in defence spending, and the same proportion deem it appropriate to maintain it at the current level. 17% of the public support a reduction in defence spending. This figure remains unchanged from last year when defence spending was just over 3% of GDP. Compared to a year ago, the share of people who think that defence spending should remain at the current level has increased by 12%.
The survey also confirms the continued strong will to defend of Estonian residents. 81% of respondents believe that Estonia must provide armed resistance in the event of a possible attack, and 62% would be prepared to participate in defence activities according to their skills and capabilities.
Half of Estonian residents believe that Estonia could be defended until help from the allies arrives, and more than half think that Estonia has developed its national defence well in recent years. There is a positive attitude towards the activities and exercises of the Defence Forces – for example, 81% of the respondents support the assemblies of reservists and 79% support allied air exercises in Estonian airspace. The share of those in favour of expanding training areas has increased by three percentage points to 64%.
Support for NATO and the allied presence in Estonia remains at more than 80%. 82% of Estonian residents support Estonia's NATO membership, and the same proportion favour the presence of NATO allies in Estonia. 71% of the respondents believe that NATO membership will help prevent a possible military conflict against Estonia.
The survey Public Opinion on National Defence was conducted by Emor on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. The survey conducted in March 2026 included 1,372 Estonian residents aged 15–74 as participants and was held both online and by telephone.
Similar surveys have been regularly commissioned by the Ministry of Defence since 2000. The national survey is carried out once a year.
Survey report: https://www.kaitseministeerium.ee/sites/default/files/documents/2026-06/Public%20Opinion%20on%20National%20Defence%202026_Emor.pdf
