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Czech PM Babis Prioritizes NATO Capability, Trump Urges Higher Spending

6/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis argued NATO should prioritize capability improvements over meeting spending percentages.
Babis said the Czech Republic will likely miss the 2 % of GDP defence-spending target for 2026.
He blamed a budget shortfall caused by his pro-EU predecessor’s overspending for the shortfall.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged NATO allies to raise spending as the United States plans to cut its support, according to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.

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Story summary

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis argued NATO should prioritize capability improvements over meeting spending percentages.
Babis said the Czech Republic will likely miss the 2 % of GDP defence-spending target for 2026.
He blamed a budget shortfall caused by his pro-EU predecessor’s overspending for the shortfall.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged NATO allies to raise spending as the United States plans to cut its support, according to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.