As part of our mission, EANC works to raise the profile of a number of issues that are of interest to the Estonian American community.  We hope to give constituents useful background information and a better understanding of the relationship of each issue to Estonia and to broader regional security, so that they may best articulate their concerns to the 117th Congress of the United States. 

You, as Estonian Americans, are the most effective advocates for the security and interests of Estonia and Estonians in the United States and are encouraged to reach out to your Congressmen and Senators to voice concerns, interests, and legislation before them. 

(As featured in the June 2021 EANC “Teataja” newsletter)

Baltic Security Funding

The Baltic nations are subject to daily Russian strategic information operations, propaganda campaigns, airspace violations, and snap military exercises designed to undermine trust in Baltic security, foment ethnic tensions, and erode confidence in NATO’s collective defense commitments.  U.S. support for ongoing, strategic deterrence of aggression from Moscow against our Baltic allies is among EANC’s top advocacy priorities.  We are thankful that continued authorizations and appropriations of the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI), Foreign Military Financing (FMF), and the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) received strong bipartisan support last year and will be in frequent contact with Congressional offices to promote the continuation of these programs. More information on each program follows.

Last year, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 allocated $169 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, providing funding for the ongoing development of Baltic air defense and security interoperability. Investment in Baltic security and enhancements in military presence in the region fosters stronger security, economic and social ties with our Baltic allies, and demonstrates strategic, long-term resolve to deter further Russian aggression in the region. It is crucial for the U.S. and the Baltics to closely cooperate on security issues, and improve capabilities in areas such as maritime and air defense, and sharing surveillance intelligence. The Baltics are meeting their 2%-of-GDP defense spending commitments, and their combined defense budgets are approximately  $2 billion. Ongoing support from the U.S. in security assistance ensures a path to further bolster Baltic defensive capabilities. The law also tasks the Departments of Defense and State to develop a multi-year strategy for the BSI, establishing long-term policy planning and defense coordination that has previously been on a year-to-year basis. The law also included $30 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF), providing grants and loans to help the Baltics purchase defense equipment produced in the U.S.

The European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) is one of the primary contributions of the United States to European security. EDI was designed as a rapid response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and continues to serve as an example of the United States standing alongside partners and NATO allies like the Baltic countries. Since its creation in 2014, the program has grown steadily, receiving additional funding nearly each subsequent Fiscal Year to reach a peak request of just over $6.5 billion for FY 2019. EDI enhances the U.S. deterrence posture, increases the readiness and responsiveness of U.S. forces in Europe, supports the collective defense and security of NATO allies, and bolsters the security and capacity of U.S. allies and partners. This includes supporting a robust U.S. military presence in Europe, funds exercises and training, improving infrastructure to support U.S. military operational requirements and strengthening the capacity of allies to defend themselves by enabling their full participation as operational partners.

We invite Estonian Americans to contact their Members of Congress to ask that all three programs are funded in the fiscal year 2022 at the 2021 levels or higher, and to make the Baltic Security Initiative a permanent authorization in the National Defense Authorization Act.

EANC appreciates the support of the Estonian American community in our grassroots advocacy mission.  Please don’t hesitate to contact Karin at karinshueyeanc@gmail.com if you have any questions on these or other issues, or about how to reach out as a constituent to your Senators and Representative.