Government reforms could hit budget, says defence minister

If a government tax and social welfare reform bill is approved the Czech Army could see a reduction in its budget, said Defence Minister Vlasta Parkanova. Budget cuts could result in military spending dropping below this year's level of 1.55 percent of GDP, she said. Minister Parkanova added that plans to purchase new technology may have to be revised, but said the country's participation in missions overseas was not under threat. NATO recommends that member states devote 2 percent of GDP to defence spending.

Author: Ian Willoughby