# Czech PM reaffirms NATO’s importance but rejects faster defense spending increases

https://mins.news/en/item/72254

- DW, 2026-09-24 12:11 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/czech-pm-andrej-babis-reiterates-importance-of-nato-for-his-country-but-rejects-calls-to-increase-defense-spending/a-79411066?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis says NATO membership is crucial but Prague cannot afford to accelerate defense spending. He has pledged to reach 2% of GDP in 2027, while resisting further increases despite US and NATO pressure and growing warnings about Russian hybrid threats.