Czech Government Refuses to Increase Defense Spending Above 2% of GDP, as Agreed in 2016

The Czech government does not plan to increase defense spending in the state budget beyond 2% of GDP, despite commitments made by the previous government.

This was announced to journalists by Chamber of Deputies Speaker Tomio Okamura after today’s coalition council meeting, according to České noviny.

“2% of gross domestic product for defense is more or less sufficient,” he said.

Earlier, Petr Fiala’s government pledged to gradually increase defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2030.

Andrej Babiš’s cabinet is expected to approve the draft budget for the current year at today’s meeting.

The Czech Republic is currently operating on a temporary budget.

According to Okamura, the budget will be presented by Finance Minister Alena Schillerová.

“We have prioritized funds for Czech citizens over weapons. We will not increase funding for weapons or, if you will, defense. 2% of GDP is more or less sufficient,” the speaker said.

2% is not enough

In 2016, NATO countries agreed to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP during the Alliance summit in Warsaw.

Currently, NATO is expressing dissatisfaction with the insufficient level of defense spending by individual member states against the backdrop of the deteriorating security situation in relations between Europe and Russia.

Most Alliance countries spend about 2% of GDP on defense, which is considered insufficient given the growing threats and preparations for a new phase of deterrence against Russia in Europe.

The Donald Trump administration insists on increasing defense spending to 5% so that European NATO countries can defend themselves against Russia in the event of war.