US Urges Czech Republic to Boost Defence Spending Amid NATO Concerns

US criticizes Czech Republic's low defence spending, urging compliance with NATO targets. New PM faces pressure to meet 2% GDP threshold.

Editorial Desk

September 18, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Prague, Czech Republic — The United States has urged the Czech Republic to significantly increase its defence spending to meet NATO requirements, as concerns grow over the country’s continued failure to meet minimum financial commitments.

U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, called for a 5% GDP allocation for defence, rejecting any exceptions or justifications for underperformance. This comes after the Czech Republic has consistently missed the 2% target, with officials confirming that it will again fall short this year, only reaching the threshold in 2027.

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At a security conference in Prague, U.S. Ambassador Nicholas A. Merrick warned that the Czech Republic risks falling among the lowest spenders within NATO. Despite the warnings, the new government plans to maintain current funding levels, with coalition leaders agreeing to a 1.73% GDP allocation for 2026.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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