Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna presented the government with an overview of the activities of the Strategic Goods Commission operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2025, including developments in international export controls, the work of the commission and the strengthening of national supervision.
During the year, the commission issued 522 licences, 43% more than in 2024. To raise awareness among companies, four information days were organised, two of them in cooperation with the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association. The total value of military goods licences amounted to nearly €850 million.
Most of the commission’s work was related to shipments to Ukraine. Both the number and value of export licences for military goods destined for Ukraine increased compared with 2024. In 2025, 24 licences were issued with a total value of €69 million, €12 million euros more than the previous year. Interest in Ukraine was boosted by the state support measure intended for the Estonian defence industry.
The number of enquiries submitted also increased in 2025. For example, companies sought advice on the classification of goods, particularly in relation to software and intangible technology. “This was partly due to the fact that an increasing number of Estonian companies were selected to participate in various cooperation projects under the European Defence Fund (EDF),” Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.
“For Estonia, it is vital to ensure that sensitive and dangerous goods do not end up in the wrong hands or pose a threat to international security,” said Margus Tsahkna. “The work of the Strategic Goods Commission helps minimise the risk that such goods could support aggressor states, including Russia.”
Last year, supervisory authorities represented on the commission initiated eight criminal proceedings related to violations of the Strategic Goods Act.
The Strategic Goods Commission is a supervisory body operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that licenses international transfers of military and dual-use goods, processes applications concerning sanctioned goods and advises companies. The commission includes representatives from several ministries and security authorities.
In 2026, the commission will continue its work to raise awareness among companies and strengthen control measures in order to prevent sensitive goods from falling into the hands of irresponsible states.
Additional information
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