PM Fiala: It is possible to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP in next election period

On Sunday, Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated on the Czech Television discussion programme Václav Moravec’s Questions that in the next election period, it would be realistic for Czechia to increase defence spending from the current 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) to 3%, if the ruling coalition remains in government. In the budget for next year, Mr. Fiala wants to increase the amount for defence to 2.1% or 2.2% of GDP, so that the government has a reserve and can confidently reach at least the 2% spending limit.

According to the prime minister, an additional 1% of GDP amounts to about 85 billion crowns. He also wants to discuss the gradual increase in defence spending at Monday's meeting of the presidents and prime ministers of European Union member states in Brussels, which will focus on defence. In the short term, the prime minister wants to achieve a slight increase in defence spending next year, so that Czech can safely meet its 2% NATO commitment. He added that from the perspective of the Czech economy, increasing defence spending is a good investment.