Estonian president calls for considering conscription NATO-wide, defence spending to match US

President of Estonia Alar Karis has called for all NATO member states to consider seriously instating conscription, if they do not already, arguing that a preparedness for military conflict with the Russian Federation is looking increasingly important, reports public broadcaster ERR.

Speaking to British business daily the Financial Times (FT), Karis stressed that Europe needs to match US defence spending in order to be ready for potential war, adding that this requires a doubling of current levels.

The president said: “We have to do something. At least have it at 50-50 [between Europe and the US]. It would be better for us.”

President Karis cited data which states that US national defence costs make up 68 percent of the corresponding costs of all NATO countries.