Kristen Michal

Prime Minister — Estonia

Country momentum 0 — Quarterly momentum: the Bureau's read on the country's trajectory over the last quarter, from −10 (deteriorating fast) to +10 (accelerating).

• Kept Estonia's digital-state model running and joined talks on France's nuclear deterrence initiative in September 2026. Defence spending above 5% of GDP — the alliance's sharp end.
• The Commission sees 2.1% growth in 2026 (Eesti Pank: 2.8%) after a deep slump — a real rebound. The budget deficit runs at 4.2–4.5% of GDP.
• World-class digital public services and PISA-leading schools. But 24.2% of the population was at risk of poverty in 2024 — the digital gloss hides real hardship.
• Defence spending exceeds 5% of GDP — among NATO's highest — driven by the Russian threat. Procurement is accelerating across land and air defence.