BRATISLAVA, February 13, (WEBNOVINY) – Slovakia has difficulties in meeting its commitments towards the NATO and the modernization of its Armed Forces has been lagging behind due to a meager budget since 2007, Head of Force Planning Department of NATO Defense Policy and Planning Division Frank Boland concluded during his visit to Slovakia in the past week. As the spokesperson for the Defense Ministry Ivan Rudolf informed, Boland appealed to military and particularly political representatives of the country to act. “You need more money. When the Alliance admitted you in 2004, you agreed to allocate 2 percent of GDP for defense. This later turned into 1.6 percent. This commitment failed, too, and dropped to 1.5 percent. And now defense-related spending hangs on some one percent, which is very little,” Boland elaborated, adding that Slovakia’s defense has found itself in a difficult position following cuts implemented since 2007.
On the other hand, Boland appreciated the effort of the incumbent Defense Ministry to commence a strategic evaluation of the defense sector that is expected to outline what kind of army Slovakia can afford and what it needs. “The situation is critical but we are willing to help you,” he noted. Boland is going to pen down an assessment report on the fulfillment of Slovakia’s commitments and has already pointed that the material would not be complimentary. The report will be presented at the autumn NATO summit and will require the approval of all NATO member states.
Slovak Defense Minister Lubomir Galko said in reaction that his ministry had inherited the ailing condition but was doing its utmost to rectify as much as possible. This situation gave an impulse for a comprehensive analysis of the state of the Slovak defense. Galko however pointed out that even the halt of all disadvantageous deals left behind after his predecessor would not be a sufficient move.
The NATO commission led by Boland has praised the effort of the Armed Forces and the ministry to resolve the critical situation. “Nonetheless, I have to say it once again; you need to allot more money for defense. One percent of GDP is very little,” Boland reiterated.
SITA