Czech President Criticizes 2026 Budget for NATO Defense Spending Shortfall

Czech President Petr Pavel criticized the 2026 state budget for failing to meet NATO's two percent GDP defense spending requirement. The budget allocates 155 billion koruna ($7.3 billion), representing 1.73 percent of GDP. Prime Minister Andrej Babis, in office since December 2023, has revised the budget inherited from the previous government, which had aimed for three percent by 2030. Pavel signed the budget to avoid a provisional spending plan. Tensions between Pavel and Babis have surfaced, especially regarding NATO summit representation.

Published Mar 22, 2026

Czech President Petr Pavel criticized the 2026 state budget for not fulfilling NATO's defense spending commitment of two percent of GDP. The government, led by Prime Minister Andrej Babis, allocated 155 billion koruna ($7.3 billion), equating to 1.73 percent of GDP.

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Despite the prior government's plan for a gradual increase to three percent by 2030, the current budget reflects stagnation amid rising security threats. Pavel signed the budget to prevent temporary financial limitations. Tensions arose between Pavel and Babis as Babis announced he would represent the Czech Republic at the NATO summit in July 2026, a role Pavel has held since taking office in 2023.