Czech 2026 Budget Keeps Defence at 1.7% of GDP Despite NATO Pressure

Czech lawmakers approved CZK 155 billion for the Defence Ministry, representing 1.7% of GDP -- well below the NATO 2% floor and drastically short of the 5% target Trump demanded at The Hague summit. Babis argues the inherited deficit prevents increased spending, while the defence ministry insists critical procurement timelines for F-35s and air defense systems are at risk. The budget gap makes Czech Republic one of NATO's lowest spenders during the alliance's most active operational period since the Cold War.