As Czech leaders push for increased military spending, a new survey suggests the public isn’t exactly on board. Nearly half of Czechs believe current defense spending—set at 2% of GDP—is sufficient, while only 6% say they’d definitely take up arms if the country came under attack.
The poll, conducted by the Median agency for Czech Radio, found that about one-third of respondents support boosting military funding beyond the NATO minimum, while a quarter favor cutting back. Meanwhile, the government has announced plans to raise spending to at least 3% of GDP by 2030, a move Prime Minister Petr Fiala insists is necessary for national security and economic growth.
With the Chamber of Deputies set to debate defense policy, President Petr Pavel will address lawmakers on the urgency of strengthening Czechia’s military. Fiala has warned that Europe can’t count on U.S. protection forever, pointing to shifting priorities in Washington. “Regardless of who wins in America, the U.S. commitment to fully defend Europe is waning,” he said.
But while politicians ramp up their defense rhetoric, public willingness to fight remains low. A striking 80% of survey respondents said they wouldn’t volunteer if Czechia or a NATO ally were attacked—54% outright refused, and another 26% leaned against it. Only 6% were certain they’d enlist, while 14% said they’d consider it.
The findings highlight a widening gap between government defense ambitions and the public’s appetite for personal sacrifice. Meanwhile, Czechia’s military is aging, with the average soldier now 37.5 years old—nearly two years older than in 2018.
