Finance Minister Schillerová wants to renegotiate Czech spending plan with EU

Czech Finance Minister Alena Schillerová said on Saturday that she wants to negotiate changes to the country’s fiscal and structural plan with the European Commission. The plan, approved by the previous government, sets limits on state spending growth until 2028.

Speaking on a television debate programme, Schillerová said the current plan would force the government to reduce the budget deficit too quickly. While last year’s deficit reached nearly CZK 291 billion, the plan would require it to fall to around CZK 150 billion next year.

Schillerová said she wants to discuss possible changes with European Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is also expected to meet him in early June. If no agreement is reached in time, the government wants to use exemptions allowing higher spending on defence and strategic infrastructure projects.