"Ensuring security in Europe and the world, the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) and NATO must complement each other," Ojuland told a parliamentary hearing on foreign policy.

"Therefore, when planning the further development of the ESDP, appropriate NATO developments must be taken into consideration," she said.

Estonia, which joined both the EU and NATO earlier in this year, is concerned whether it can afford to be involved in the defence structures of both organisations.

Estonia is participating in the EU's military operation in keeping peace in Bosnia and Hercegovina, and will take part in EU battle groups, which the EU agreed to establish last month.

"Estonia is also taking part in this endeavour, but the form and extent of our participation is still being defined," Ojuland said.

She said that as a NATO member, Estonia continued "to actively contribute to NATO operations in the Balkans and Afghanistan".

"We have to keep the promises made and the commitments we took upon ourselves during NATO accession, including the maintaining of defence expenditures at the level of two percent of GDP," Ojuland said.

"Only thus can we be reliable allies, and hope, that we will be heard in the foreign policy realm."

Critics have said the state budget should be used for more pressing issues, such as fighting HIV/AIDS and improving the medical system, rather than for defence spending.

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