Czech Republic 'certainly not' on path to higher defence spending, says Babis


FILE PHOTO: Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis from ANO speaks during the debate on confidence in the parliament, in Prague, Czech Republic, January 13, 2026 REUTERS/Eva Korinkova/File Photo

PRAGUE, Feb 26 (Reuters) - The ⁠Czech Republic is "certainly not" setting a path to reach ⁠higher defence spending despite rising NATO targets, Prime Minister Andrej ‌Babis said on Thursday, marking a clear departure from the previous government's policy.

Babis' government, led by his populist ANO party, took power in December and is ​pushing a re-worked 2026 budget plan through ⁠parliament. It has faced some ⁠criticism over lower defence spending, however.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Iran not going to close Strait of Hormuz, Iran UN envoy says
Polish president vetoes EU defence loan bill
Colombia's Petro, Trump spoke on phone, Trump said Petro welcome in U.S
UN mission says Venezuela's repressive apparatus persists after Maduro ouster
Canada, Mexico say trilateral deal is key ahead of talks to review USMCA
U.S. stocks close lower
Synagogue attacked in U.S. state of Michigan, suspect killed
US Navy could escort vessels in Strait of Hormuz with international coalition, Bessent says
Crude futures settle higher
IAEA director discusses non-proliferation with head of Russia's Rosatom

Others Also Read