‘Trump or not, it’s necessary!’ — Czech PM Fiala calls for increased defense spending amid shifting US NATO support

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has called for a renewed focus on European defense spending as the United States’ commitment to fully defending Europe appears to be waning

Fiala emphasized the need for NATO members to consider increasing defense budgets beyond the current 2 percent of GDP, potentially to 3 percent, in response to global security challenges

Fiala acknowledged that the Czech Republic, for the first time in two decades, has met NATO’s current defense spending target of 2 percent, a benchmark enshrined in legislation to ensure consistent prioritization of national security

In 2024, the country allocated 166.8 billion crowns (€6.6 billion) for defense, representing 2.09 percent of GDP, according to the Ministry of Defense. However, Fiala argued that the evolving international landscape necessitates greater investment in defense capabilities

The Czech leader proposed that increasing defense spending to 3 percent of GDP would be a gradual process, requiring long-term planning and commitment from NATO member states, but insisted those conversations should be had