It should be noted that Latvia is already close to a defense spending level of 5% of GDP — the budget for 2026 allocates about 4.9% of GDP for defense and internal security. In 2026, the Czech Republic may not be able to allocate 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) for defense needs, as required by NATO standards. This was stated by the country's Prime Minister Andrej Babiš in an interview with the Financial Times, published on its website on Sunday, May 31. According to Babiš, his government will do "everything possible" to meet the 2% requirement. However, this may be hindered by the struggle with the budget deficit, which, according to the Prime Minister, was left by the previous cabinet. Babiš also confirmed that Prague remains committed to the new NATO goal of allocating 3.5% of GDP for defense by 2035. However, he expressed the opinion that the alliance should pay more attention to military capabilities than to spending targets, which can be manipulated. While signing the budget law in March, Czech President Petr Pavel warned that defense spending does not correspond to the growing security threats and commitments under NATO. The country's Ministry of Finance stated in March that total defense spending would reach 2.07% of GDP. However, the Audit Office clarified that this includes funds for tasks that are not strictly military — such as road construction — and the alliance may not count them as defense spending. The U.S. continues to demand increased defense spending from allies Donald Trump, during his first term in the White House, began demanding that NATO allies increase their military spending. His second administration continues this line: on May 30, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset threatened other alliance countries with consequences if they do not sufficiently increase their defense investments at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore. "We need partners, not protectorates," emphasized the head of the U.S. military department. In 2014, only three NATO countries — the United States, the United Kingdom, and Greece — met the 2% requirement, while in 2023, this figure was achieved by 11 countries. Germany announced in 2024 that it would allocate 90.6 billion euros for defense needs — 2.12 percent of its GDP. In 2025, U.S. NATO allies in Europe and Canada increased defense spending by 19.6% compared to the previous year, but their total contribution is still less than U.S. spending. In June 2025, NATO member countries agreed to raise their defense spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035. Of this, 3.5% is planned to be directed to traditional defense needs, while 1.5% will be invested in counter-terrorism and the development of infrastructure that can be used for military purposes. This includes, for example, bridges capable of bearing the weight of a tank.