The Czech Republic will once again fail to reach NATO’s minimum defence expenditure target this year, with Prime Minister Andrej Babis confirming that the government has abandoned efforts to meet the alliance’s 2% of GDP benchmark in 2026.
Speaking on Friday, Babis said his administration had decided to prioritise restoring the country’s public finances before increasing military spending, delaying plans to meet NATO requirements until at least next year.
The Czech government had initially outlined a defence budget aimed at moving closer to the alliance target. However, spending plans were later reduced, leaving military expenditure projected at between 1.7% and 1.8% of gross domestic product.
In a message posted on social media, Babis acknowledged that the country would remain below the agreed threshold this year, stressing that fiscal stability remains his government’s immediate focus.
The administration has redirected resources toward domestic priorities, including support measures to offset energy costs and increased investment in transport infrastructure. Those decisions have contributed to a larger budget deficit than previously proposed.
The announcement comes as NATO members face growing pressure to strengthen defence capabilities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and repeated calls from the United States for European allies to shoulder a greater share of security responsibilities.
Alliance leaders recently agreed to significantly raise long-term spending expectations, with member states expected to work toward allocating 5% of GDP to defence-related needs by 2035, including 3.5% dedicated to core military activities.
Despite this year’s shortfall, Babis expressed confidence that the Czech Republic would achieve the 2% target from 2027 and maintain it on a sustained basis.
He said future increases in defence funding would be implemented gradually and aligned with both the country’s security needs and its obligations to NATO partners.
Goodness Anunobi
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