The new rules allow Estonia to respond more quickly to security changes and quickly build infrastructure to receive allies.
A simplified procedure will be applied to the construction of strategically important military facilities: planning will become less bureaucratic and environmental impact assessment requirements will be relaxed, reports novayagazeta.ee.
The rules for cutting forests for defense purposes are also being simplified. At the same time, control over the facilities in the Natura 2000 territories (a network of territories in the EU member states where protection of certain species of animals and plants and their habitats is required), as well as the participation of the Environment Department in the process will be preserved.
The law pays special attention to litigation. To ensure that protracted proceedings do not hinder the strengthening of the country’s defense capability, the courts will be obliged to consider complaints about defense facilities on a priority basis – within a period of four to six months.
According to the government, the need for such measures is dictated by the security situation in the region.
The law will come into force on May 15, 2026, with the special regime lasting until the end of 2032.
