Full Breakdown
Czech Republic Likely to Miss NATO 2% Defence Spending Target, Officials Say
6/1/2026, 4:12:09 AM
Background & Context
NATO obliges members to spend at least 2 % of GDP on defence. In 2024 the alliance added a longer-term goal of 3.5 % by 2035 and a broader 5 % target that includes 1.5 % for counter-terrorism and dual-use infrastructure.
Data & Statistics
- The Czech Ministry of Finance projects defence outlays of 2.07 % of GDP for this year.
- The Audit Office says this figure includes non-military items such as road construction, which NATO may not count as defence spending.
- NATO recorded 11 members meeting the 2 % threshold in 2023; Germany announced 2.12 % of GDP for 2024.
- NATO’s 2035 ambition is 5 % of GDP overall, with 3.5 % earmarked for traditional defence.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš told the Financial Times the government will do its best and take all possible measures to reach the 2 % benchmark, while reaffirming a commitment to the 3.5 % target for 2035. He argued NATO should prioritize capability development over rigid spending metrics. President Petr Pavel, signing the 2024 budget, warned that current outlays do not match escalating security threats. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned that the era of U.S. subsidies for wealthy allies is ending, emphasizing the need for partners rather than protectorates.
Criticism & Opposition
President Pavel publicly challenged the plan to scale back defence spending in the 2026 budget, citing a mismatch with growing threats. The Audit Office’s note that part of the reported 2.07 % comprises civilian projects raises doubts that the Czech figure meets NATO’s definition of defence expenditure.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Ministry of Finance’s 2.07 % estimate conflicts with the Audit Office’s assessment that the number inflates true defence spending. No detailed breakdown of the 2026 budget has been released, leaving uncertainty about whether the Czech Republic will meet the 2 % target this year.
Why It Matters / Impact
Missing NATO’s spending benchmark could strain alliance solidarity, especially as the United States signals a reduction in its own support for European partners. Persistent shortfalls may weaken collective deterrence against Russian aggression and hinder development of required capabilities.
What’s Next
The Czech government will finalize the 2026 budget amid ongoing NATO pressure. NATO’s 2035 targets will continue to shape defence-policy debates, and U.S. officials are expected to reiterate spending expectations at forthcoming security forums.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We will do our best” — Andrej Babiš, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
- “everything possible” — Andrej Babiš, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
- “The era of the United States subsidising the defence of wealthy nations is over. We need partners, not protectorates.” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense
- “The era of the United States subsidising the defence of wealthy nations is over. We need partners, not protectorates.” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense
