Government approves draft budget for 2026

The Czech government has approved a draft state budget for 2026 with a projected deficit of CZK 286 billion. Revenues and spending both rose by about 28 billion compared to the first version, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said. The Transport Ministry will get 22 billion more than it was allotted in the earlier proposal.

Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura said revenues will grow thanks to a new employer reporting system and higher EU funds.

The draft deficit is larger than this year’s planned 241 billion, mainly due to a loan for new nuclear units in Dukovany and higher defense costs.