Czech Republic Not on Path to Higher NATO Defense Spending Target, Says Prime Minister

Andrej Babis won last year’s election with the promise of improving the standard of living through increased wages, new social benefits, and lower taxes.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis at his first press conference after appointing his new Cabinet at the Government headquarters in Prague on Dec. 15, 2025. Michal Cizek /AFP/Getty Images

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Feb. 26 that his country is not on track to increase defense spending at the target rate set by NATO in 2025, as his government focuses on other domestic policies.

In June 2025, NATO allies agreed to raise defense spending targets from 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) to 5 percent by 2035, split into 3.5 percent for core defense and 1.5 percent on other related areas such as security and infrastructure.