Czech Prime Minister: This Year's Military Spending "May Not Meet NATO Targets"

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, June 1 - Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš recently told the media that the Czech Republic may not be able to meet the NATO military spending target set for member countries this year, which is to reach 2% of GDP.

According to a report by the Financial Times on May 31, Babiš stated that the Czech Republic "will do its utmost" to achieve this goal, but due to excessive spending by the previous government, his administration is working to address the existing budget deficit.

Babiš also mentioned that the Czech Republic is committed to reaching a new NATO target of 3.5% of GDP for military spending by 2035, but he simultaneously expressed that NATO allies should focus more on building real defense capabilities rather than merely pursuing military spending targets.

In June 2025, NATO member country leaders decided at a summit in The Hague, Netherlands, to increase annual defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, with 3.5% allocated for core military spending and 1.5% for critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity.

Since taking office last December, Babiš has repeatedly stated that he will not continue to let his country's citizens foot the bill for military aid to Ukraine, especially as recent conflicts in Iran have led to rising energy prices. The Czech government will prioritize limited public funds for its own citizens rather than for Ukraine.

U.S. President Trump has continuously urged NATO allies to increase defense spending since his first term. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated on May 30 during the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that the era of the U.S. subsidizing the defense of wealthy countries is over, and what the U.S. needs is "partners, not protectors." (Guo Qian)