ADVERTISEMENT

Authorities plan to meet NATO defence budget target by 2024

The NATO and EU member state of 5.4 million people currently allocates 1.16 percent of its GDP to defence.

Slovakia "expects to increase the budget of the defence ministry to 1.6 percent of GDP in 2020 and 2.0 percent of GDP in 2024," the document said.

Defence Minister Peter Gajdos told reporters that reaching 2.0 percent would enable the country to "realise our commitment from the NATO summits."

So far only five NATO members have met the 2.0 percent benchmark set by the Western defence alliance in 2014: Britain, Estonia, Greece, Poland and the United States.

ADVERTISEMENT

Romania is set to join them this year, and Latvia and Lithuania in 2018, according to NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg.

US President Donald Trump has laid on the pressure for other European NATO allies to hike their defence budgets, saying they do not pay enough for their security.

Slovakia's long-term defence plan, which Gajdos presented on Thursday, puts emphasis on the replacement and modernisation of its main types of military equipment and technology.

The document says it expects defence investments for the years 2018 to 2030 to amount to 29.9 billion euros ($35.7 billion).

But it acknowledges a lack of finances for the development of the armed forces: "The long-term shortage of resources has led to a gradual decline in the defence capacity of the Slovak Republic."

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

No need to run when EFCC invites you, Cubana Chief Priest advises Nigerians

No need to run when EFCC invites you, Cubana Chief Priest advises Nigerians

Immigration places wanted Yahaya Bello on watchlist, unveils his passport details

Immigration places wanted Yahaya Bello on watchlist, unveils his passport details

Oyo govt justifies demolition of Yoruba Nation agitators’ building

Oyo govt justifies demolition of Yoruba Nation agitators’ building

NAFDAC raids popular supermarket in Abuja for selling counterfeit products

NAFDAC raids popular supermarket in Abuja for selling counterfeit products

Iranian morality police crack down on women who don't wear headscarves

Iranian morality police crack down on women who don't wear headscarves

FG sets up committee to compensate landowners affected by Lagos-Calabar road project

FG sets up committee to compensate landowners affected by Lagos-Calabar road project

Kano Gov remains a bona fide member of our party - NNPP debunks suspension

Kano Gov remains a bona fide member of our party - NNPP debunks suspension

We need ₦3.2trn to pay electricity subsidy in 2024 - FG

We need ₦3.2trn to pay electricity subsidy in 2024 - FG

Tinubu's proactive approach to security threats yielding results, Ribadu claims

Tinubu's proactive approach to security threats yielding results, Ribadu claims

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT