Czech Republic to raise defence spending to 2 pct of GDP till 2024

The Czech Republic will keep raising its defence spending as it works to reach the level of 2 per cent of gross domestic product in 2024, Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Tuesday.

"The main part of (NATO's) work is done in the member states, in building their defence capabilities so that we are able to defend a member of our alliance should he be attacked," Babis told a conference marking the Czech Republic's 20th anniversary of joining the alliance.

"That is why our republic has pledged to reach the level of 2 per cent of GDP in defence spending by 2024. Defence spending has been growing each year since 2015 and it will continue to grow," Babis said. 

(With inputs from agencies.)