The development plan of the Defense Ministry's area of government for 2018-2021 signed last week will increase direct support for the EDL by about €1 million annually, which will be spent mostly on upgrades of training and infrastructure, Minister of Defence Margus Tsahkna said according to spokespeople.

"Three million euros have been earmarked for the construction and renovation of the EDL's buildings and structures, including the construction of shooting ranges," Tsahnka said. "Besides the increase in direct support, an additional €60 million will be channeled into procurements related to territorial defense in the coming years."

According to the plan, ammunition, transport, personal defense and communication equipment will be purchased for the defense league, battle groups will be developed and five new light infantry companies manned and equipped. "All of this will increase the EDL's capability and the independent defense capability of Estonia, in which the EDL plays an extremely important role," Tsahkna highlighted.

The minister was scheduled to visit the EDL's Rapla District as well as the EDL school situated in Rapla County's Alu borough on Tuesday in order to receive an overview of the training of the defense league's volunteers and the state of the school building.