Czech NATO envoy warns against falling below defence spending target

Czech government envoy for NATO commitments Jakub Landovský says it would be politically difficult for Czechia to face its allies as the only NATO member proposing defence spending below 2 percent of GDP this year. Speaking on TV Nova, he said Prague must avoid being seen as a free rider at a time when alliance unity is under pressure. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) has already indicated Czechia may miss the target again this year, despite NATO’s long-standing benchmark. Landovský also dismissed speculation that he could replace Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna (SPD).