Prague – Defense spending by the countries of the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) is not governed by the wishes of any of the leaders of the alliance, but must be based on imminent risks that result from relevant analyses. President Petr Pavel said this in today’s program Dvacet minut Radiožurnál. According to him, the next summit of the alliance in June in The Hague, the Netherlands, could agree on the increase in defense spending. In the case of the Czech Republic, he considers it realistic that expenses will rise to three percent of GDP in the 2030 horizon.
Pavel responded to the statement of incoming US President Donald Trump, who wants NATO member countries to sharply increase their spending on defense and spend five percent of their GDP on it. The current goal of defense spending for NATO members is at the level of two percent of GDP, even so not all alliance states meet it. The Czech Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that the Czech Republic fulfilled its two percent commitment last year.
Pavel stated that defense spending is not governed by the wishes of any of the leaders of the alliance, but by the need based on the assessment of security threats. According to the president, debates about percentages will not tell anyone anything, in fact, it is necessary to talk about the factual side. “How many units are needed and at what level of alertness, how many planes, ships do we have to effectively defend ourselves against the threats that objectively exist,” he said.
Once these needs are quantified, they will be allocated among the member states. “It is very likely that they will be higher than the two percent to which we have committed so far. It is possible that there will be an increase at the NATO summit. But it should not be based on anyone shooting a number,” he said.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) said on Wednesday that two percent of GDP for defense is the minimum limit, and he considers it realistic to talk about three percent over a period of several years. “I think that the government is realistically counting on the fact that in the 2030 horizon, defense spending could increase to this amount,” Pavel pointed out.
Trump, who will take office again on January 20, refused this week to rule out using military force and economic pressure to win Greenland and the Panama Canal. He also declared an interest in Canada, which he would like to join the USA. “My first quick reaction would be: let’s keep calm,” said Pavel.
According to Pavel, even before entering the White House for the first time, Trump deployed similar “test shots” and expected reactions to which he adapted his official policy. “We shouldn’t completely wave our hands over them, they are the statements of the elected president, but let’s wait until he is inaugurated, what his administration will look like, how they will formulate the specific policies of this administration. Then we can discuss how to react,” added the Czech head of state .
Regarding the war in Ukraine, according to Pavle, the inauguration of the new American president is a certain symbol. “Which can be such a psychological divide for (Russian President) Vladimir Putin, and possibly for other actors, for example China, which should definitely be part of the solution,” he said.
“I think that the very fact that Donald Trump has the will to negotiate with President Putin, so if that will is reciprocated, some kind of proposal may emerge from it. The proposal may not be completely ideal, it may not be liked by everyone, in any case, if any proposal for negotiation is on the table, it is better than what is now,” Pavel added. At the same time, the goal should be for Ukraine to participate in all negotiations.
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Source: www.ceskenoviny.cz
