Babis Signals Czech Republic Will Miss NATO Spending Target

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has said his country is unlikely to meet NATO's defense spending target of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP), citing a budget deficit he attributes to excessive spending by the previous government. Speaking to the Financial Times, Babis said Prague would instead focus on the longer-term goal of reaching 3.5% of GDP by 2035, and argued that allies should place greater emphasis on real capabilities than on what he called "manipulable" percentage targets.

The stance has deepened tensions between Babis and President Petr Pavel, who warned at the budget signing in March that cuts to defense spending were out of step with growing security threats and the country's commitments to the alliance.

Pressure on European NATO members is also mounting from Washington. Speaking at a security conference in Asia, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations was over. "We need partners, not protectorates", he declared. The remarks are consistent with Donald Trump's longstanding position and reports of US plans to reduce military assistance to Europe.

(reuters, est)