Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro stated that the country's crisis preparedness does not fully match the security threats facing Estonia. On Wednesday, Taro, along with the heads of the Police and Border Guard Board, the Internal Security Service, and the Rescue Board, presented annual internal security recommendations during a press conference.
Taro initiated a practice requiring the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), the Internal Security Service (ISS), and the Rescue Board to submit these annual recommendations. He said the process is a logical complement to military advice provided by the commander of the Estonian Defense Forces, which outlines state requirements and military needs for a potential war.
Growing digital and hybrid threats
ISS Director General Margo Palloson said hybrid activity is currently the primary concern and that threats are becoming increasingly digital. Palloson identified Russia's hostile activities as the greatest threat over the next three years, noting that the threat could increase if the war in Ukraine comes to a halt, potentially allowing Russia to redirect more resources toward Europe and Estonia.
Palloson stated that risks related to cyberattacks and cyberespionage are growing, and that Estonia must be prepared for an escalation in sabotage. To address these, she recommended expanding technological capabilities, increasing emphasis on prevention, resolving issues around communications data retention, and passing a background check law for critical positions.
Resource shortages in law enforcement and rescue
Police and Border Guard Board Director General Egert Belitšev said while the agency has enough funding for day-to-day operations, it lacks the resources for development. Belitšev noted, 'We are in a situation where we have enough money to pay this year's bills. We do not have the funding needed to carry out the necessary development projects.'
Belitšev requested stable, long-term funding to support a police crisis reserve, drone surveillance, counter-drone capabilities, and specialized units. He also called for expanding rapid response capabilities, ensuring aviation capabilities, and establishing a legal framework for investigating modern large-scale crimes.
The Police and Border Guard Board considers a nationwide drone surveillance network a priority and stated the need for capabilities to distinguish dangerous drones from ordinary aircraft and neutralize hostile ones. The agency also noted that personnel shortages are likely to be the first problem in a crisis.
Rescue Board Director General Margo Klaos said one-third of the agency's rescue stations are understaffed. She emphasized that Estonia must prepare for natural disasters, industrial accidents, sabotage, and possible military crises, stating, 'Life-saving capability must be ensured across Estonia.'
The Rescue Board recommended establishing a 1,500-member crisis reserve and increasing funding for volunteer rescue services. Klaos also noted that while resources exist for crisis training through 2027, public preparedness efforts must continue beyond that. Additionally, she stated that resources are needed to adapt infrastructure, such as apartment building basements, to protect residents during a military attack.
The heads of all three agencies emphasized that implementing these development projects requires more reliable, long-term funding, noting that project-based financing makes crisis preparation more difficult.
