Czech Finance Minister rejects 5% GDP defense spending target

Czech Finance Minister Alena Schillerová has expressed skepticism regarding increasing national defense spending to 5% of GDP, a target previously discussed with NATO allies. During a press conference following a government meeting, Schillerová stated that reaching a 5% threshold is “unrealistic if we do not want to completely liquidate the economy.”

While Czech defense spending is expected to reach 2% of GDP—meeting a 2014 NATO commitment—critics argue this level is insufficient given current security threats. Comparisons are drawn to Baltic states and Poland, which maintain defense budgets closer to 5% of GDP. The current administration, led by Andrej Babiš, faces criticism for prioritizing economic accounting over escalating regional security concerns.