Bratislava: Raising defense spending threshold to 3% of GDP is 'unthinkable' - Minister
Kyiv • UNN
Slovakia's Defense Minister Robert Kaliniak called it “unthinkable” to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP. The country plans to remain at 2% of GDP, despite NATO's calls for increased spending due to the threat from Russia.
For Slovakia, raising the threshold of defense spending to 3% of GDP is problematic; the Ministry of Defense plans to maintain the minimum level of defense spending at 2% of GDP.
Transmits UNN with reference to Euractiv.
In an interview with Euractiv Slovakia, Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliniak (Smer-SD/NI) called the increase in defense spending to 3% of GDP “incredible”.
When asked about the possibility of increasing Slovakia's military spending to 3% of GDP, Kaliniak replied: “Given the current situation, when we need to consolidate public finances and all the obligations we have, I cannot imagine that we would burden the rest of society in this way,” while acknowledging ”the problems we face.
Context
Last week, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the need to increase defense spending due to the growing threat from Russia.
Slovakia has reached its current target of 2% of GDP. However, the government maintains that increasing spending may prove difficult.
Recall
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday to discuss the continuation of gas supplies through Ukraine.
