President Pavel: Defense spending should exceed 2% of GDP next year

The Czech Republic should spend slightly more than 2% of its GDP on defense next year. Otherwise, given the commitments made at the Hague summit, a shortfall in defense spending would emerge in subsequent years leading up to 2035. President Petr Pavel told journalists this today during a visit to companies in Nové Město na Moravě.

Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna (nominated by SPD) said after Wednesday’s meeting with Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (ANO) that the Defense Ministry plans to allocate 2% of GDP to defense spending next year. He said this would fulfill the Czech Republic’s NATO commitment.