From Seattletimes · · 1m 10s
U.S. Envoy Criticizes Czech Defense Spending
U.S. NATO envoy calls Czech Republic’s defense spending 'disappointing' as it falls short of NATO targets.
In brief
U.S. NATO envoy calls Czech Republic’s defense spending 'disappointing' as it falls short of NATO targets. U.S. ambassador Matthew Whitaker criticized Czech Republic for not meeting NATO’s 2% defense spending target, urging increased investment to meet the alliance’s requirements. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
U.S. Envoy Criticizes Czech Republic
U.s. ambassador matthew whitaker criticized the czech republic for failing to meet nato’s hague defense commitment on friday.
“it is disappointing to see that it has not made more progress towards meeting the hague defense commitment”
Czech Spending Falls Short
Lawmakers approved a budget allocating less than 1.8 percent of gdp for defense this year despite president petr pavel urging an increase.
Whitaker’s Warning
Whitaker warned the czech republic must meet the 2 percent gdp defense target to honor nato’s commitment, stressing no excuses or opt-outs.
“all allies must pull their weight and honor the hague defense commitment. these numbers are not arbitrary. they are about meeting the moment, and the moment requires 5 percent as the standard. no excuses, no opt-outs”
Babiš Promises 2% Target
Prime minister andrej babiš pledged defense spending would reach 2 percent of gdp next year to meet nato’s minimum requirement.
NATO’s 2% Target
Nato members agreed in 2014 to spend at least 2 percent of gdp on defense, but the czech republic fell short this year.
Czech Political Shift
Babiš’ coalition government, which includes anti-immigrant parties, plans to cut defense spending for next year despite u.s. pressure.
The headline
U.S. ambassador Matthew Whitaker criticized Czech Republic for not meeting NATO’s 2% defense spending target, urging increased investment to meet the alliance’s requirements.
