NATO to discuss defence spending, Czechia backs stronger Ukraine support

The upcoming NATO summit in The Hague will focus on defence and deterrence, including a renewed push for higher military spending. Czechia wants the summit to confirm long-term support for Ukraine and sees Russia as the most serious direct threat to the Euro-Atlantic area, the president’s office said on Tuesday.

The summit takes place on June 24 and 25. Czechia is ready to support an increase in NATO defence spending targets to 3.5% of GDP, with an additional 1.5% for related investments.

It also backs a stronger NATO role in coordinating military aid to Ukraine and calls for deeper ties with democratic countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Strategic unity between NATO and the EU remains a top priority.

President Petr Pavel will attend alongside Defence Minister Jana Černochová, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka, and National Security Advisor Tomáš Pojar.