European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the plan on Tuesday. The plan aims to find nearly 800 billion euros. Member states themselves should find the majority of the funds. The Commission promises to ease fiscal rules in return. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the sharing of the financial burden should be more balanced.
Tsahkna noted that defense costs should come from the member states themselves. He emphasized that several countries would not increase defense spending if Donald Trump did not pressure them. For example, Belgium and Spain are not concerned about Russia's aggression.
Trump reminded Europe that they must invest in their own defense. Tsahkna said that this is a relatively fair position. He added that Estonia is already doing its part, but the sharing of the burden should be more balanced.
Tsahkna mentioned that solutions to joint financing problems must be found. For example, Hungary is blocking initiatives related to support for Ukraine. He believed that ways must be found to share the burden more evenly.
Finally, Tsahkna said that in Europe it is understood that America will not do all the work for them. The new understanding gives hope.