08.07.2026 17:50
Defense industry researcher Anıl Şahin, evaluating the NATO Leaders Summit held in Ankara for Haberler.com, stated that the organization differed from previous summits both in terms of the defense industry agenda and its hosting. Noting that the summit delivered important messages regarding NATO's future, Şahin said, 'The Ankara Summit made a difference with its organization,' and highlighted the satisfaction of foreign press members with the hospitality and organization.
Defense industry researcher Anıl Şahin, in his evaluation to Haberler.com, stated that the NATO Leaders Summit held in Ankara was shaped with a defense industry-focused approach, differing from previous summits. Noting that a new era has begun in Europe's security policies, Şahin said the summit was one of the organizations where this change was felt most strongly.
DEFENSE INDUSTRY COOPERATION TAKES CENTER STAGE
Reminding that the Ankara Summit started with a defense industry forum, Şahin pointed out that after messages indicating the US would reduce its role in the European security architecture, European countries have turned to new partnerships in the defense field. Şahin stated that at the Ankara Summit, the desire of European countries and non-European allies to develop defense industry cooperation was clearly demonstrated.
A NEW ERA IN BURDEN SHARING
Şahin, who noted that there have been occasional difficulties in implementing decisions from past summits, expressed that this time NATO members displayed a more determined stance on increasing defense spending. Following the US approach to reducing its share of the NATO budget, he emphasized that many members, including Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the Baltic countries, will increase their defense budgets to contribute more to burden sharing.
"ANKARA SUMMIT MADE A DIFFERENCE WITH ITS ORGANIZATION"
Şahin said the organization in Ankara was also appreciated by foreign media, reporting that representation and hospitality activities at the summit were deemed more successful compared to previous NATO summits. Noting that media representatives expressed satisfaction on many issues from transportation to catering, Şahin stated that the Ankara Summit stood out from other summits with its organizational quality.