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Our commitment to spend a minimum of 2% of GDP on defence is not the Alliance's dictated policy rather than a matter of vital national interest to Slovakia

Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic

13.07.2023

Slovakia's defence capability is the basic function of the state on which its existence hinges. Without securing one's defences, there is no sovereign state, there is no prosperity in it. Defence spending at the level of at least 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) is, therefore, an inevitable commitment towards our security, our country, and our people, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár emphasised after returning from the NATO Summit in Vilnius.

In a statement, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: "Building Slovakiaʼs defences has been of marginal interest for years, as has been reflected in the lack of investments and in the "hollowing out" of the Slovak Armed Forces with reductions in capabilities, personnel and infrastructure, as well as in neglect of needs relating to infrastructure modernisation and replacement of outdated equipment at the end of its service life. Despite intensive efforts over the past few years, the deficit in this area remains huge. This is not about a competition of priorities. In fact, this is about the existential condition of every state, because our argument is clear - if there is no security, there is nothing."

He went on to explain that a passive acceptance of guarantees from the North Atlantic Alliance cannot be the solution to delivering our country's defences. "Being part of the worldʼs strongest defence alliance is a huge advantage, and the current situation beyond our eastern border clearly underlines this point. However, every chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so neglecting defence investment would mean, among other things, gambling with our security. As well as being an advantage, NATO membership is a responsibility," Minister Sklenár added.

According to Mr Sklenár, not investing in defence in the current situation, as was the case in the years 2008 to 2014 when it was already possible to predict the security developments on the horizon, would be extremely irresponsible. The countries that feel the threat from Russia more strongly either because they share borders with Russia or because they may have had an even worse historical experience than Slovakia unequivocally claim that 2% of GDP on defence is not enough. Some Baltic countries are moving towards 2.5%, others towards 3%, and Poland even towards 5% of GDP on defence.

In this sense, defence investment is a commitment to our servicemen and women to make sure they can have dignified conditions for their service to the nation. It is them who protect the security of our state and all of us. It would be inappropriate to question the need to improve the conditions of their service.