Czech – Proposed 2026 defense cuts revive NATO burden-sharing concerns
📌 The Czech government’s proposed 2026 budget could push “core” defense spending down to around 1.8% of GDP, slightly below last year and under the 2% level often used as NATO’s baseline reference.
💰 The plan includes roughly 21 billion Czech crowns in cuts, close to $1 billion, versus the previous center-right government’s proposal, signaling a clear shift in fiscal priorities.
⚠️ The U.S. ambassador in Prague warned that staying near 1.8% could place Czechia among NATO’s lowest spenders and weaken its ability to meet capability targets it has set within the alliance.
🧩 Prague argues that counting road funds and strategic material reserves would lift spending to about 2.07% of GDP, but this add-on approach is disputed and may not align with NATO’s “core” assessment.
🔎 Politically, Prime Minister Andrej Babis is prioritizing energy price support and has avoided stronger long-term spending commitments, while parliament debates the budget and the opposition pushes for higher defense funding.