Czech government eyes major defence budget increase after Ankara NATO summit

In the weeks leading up to the NATO summit in Ankara, media speculation suggested that President Donald Trump would publicly reprimand member states over defence spending, with the Czech Republic singled out for criticism. The summit itself passed without such drama, focusing instead on the alliance’s future direction.

The Czech government, acknowledging that the country has long fallen short of the NATO 2 % of GDP defence‑spending target, is preparing next year’s state budget. The prime minister indicated that the defence ministry’s allocation could rise by up to 36 billion Czech crowns if the budget is approved and the economy continues to grow, potentially bringing the Czech Republic closer to the 2 % goal. The plan also calls for modernising the armed forces – strengthening air‑defence, building a heavy brigade, expanding medium‑weight units, improving logistics and recruitment – rather than relying on media‑driven narratives.

The article stresses that real security progress comes from sustained investment and clear policy, not from public shaming at high‑profile summits.