Defense minister: NATO’s new goals will require higher spending from Czechia

NATO’s updated capability targets will place greater demands on Czechia, including increased defense spending, Defense Minister Jana Černochová (Civic Democrats) told ČTK. She emphasized the need to raise military expenditures toward 3% of GDP. The issue will be discussed at NATO’s June summit in The Hague, the first major meeting with the new US administration. President Donald Trump has called for allies to spend 5% of GDP on defense. Czech leaders consider 3% a realistic target. Černochová stressed that Europe must take greater responsibility for its security, with air defense among NATO’s new priorities.