06.07.2026 10:01
Leaders of NATO's 32 member states will convene at a summit in Ankara on July 8-9. The summit will address increasing defense spending, military support for Ukraine, Iran's nuclear program, defense industry collaborations, and regional security. It is expected that tens of billions of dollars in defense agreements will be announced, along with a new 70 billion euro support package for Ukraine.
Leaders of NATO's 32 member countries will gather at a summit in Ankara on July 7-8. US President Donald Trump's pressure on Europe to increase defense spending and recent transatlantic tensions are among the most important agenda items of the summit.
NATO leaders will meet at the summit in Ankara on Tuesday and Wednesday. The summit will take place against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's pressure on European countries to increase defense spending, as well as transatlantic tensions over the Iran war and Greenland.
Trump's frequent criticisms of NATO, statements about withdrawing troops from Europe, and the US decision to review its military presence on the continent for six months have increased uncertainties within the alliance.
WHAT IS ON THE SUMMIT'S AGENDA?
The Trump administration wants European countries to increase their defense investments and take on more responsibility for the continent's security.
In this context, leaders are expected to discuss achieving targets set for defense spending, increasing defense industry production, and transferring the security burden from the US to Europe.
WHICH LEADERS WILL ATTEND?
Leaders from NATO's 32 member countries will attend the summit. In addition to US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to attend the leaders' dinner on Tuesday evening.
NEW DEFENSE SPENDING TARGET
European leaders aim to show that they are fulfilling their commitment to allocate 5% of gross domestic product to defense and defense-related areas by 2035, in line with the decision taken at last year's summit in The Hague.
According to the draft summit declaration obtained by Reuters, leaders are expected to say: "In 2025, European allies and Canada increased their investments in core defense needs by over $139 billion."
The draft declaration also envisions including the following statements: "We are building the future: A stronger Europe within a stronger NATO. We are creating a modernized alliance. European allies and Canada, together with the US, are taking on more responsibility for the alliance's defense."
€70 BILLION SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE
NATO members are expected to reiterate their support for Ukraine at the summit and announce new aid packages. The draft declaration states that €70 billion will be provided to Ukraine for military equipment, aid, and training in 2026, and commits to maintaining at least the same level of support in 2027.
Part of this funding will come from existing bilateral commitments, and a significant portion will come from the European Union's €60 billion loan program for Ukraine's defense investments and arms purchases in the 2026-2027 period. The US is not expected to contribute to this funding.
DEFENSE INDUSTRY IN THE SPOTLIGHT
While new targets for defense spending were set at last year's summit, this year's summit in Ankara will focus on increasing arms production and innovation in the defense industry.
NATO will also hold a defense industry forum in Ankara on Tuesday. Defense agreements worth tens of billions of dollars are expected to be announced as part of the forum.
IRAN ISSUE ALSO ON THE TABLE
European officials are concerned that the Iran war and Trump's displeasure with European countries' stance on the issue may overshadow the summit.
According to the draft declaration obtained by Reuters, leaders are expected to say: "Allies reiterate that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon and call on Iran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."
TURKEY'S PRIORITIES
Host Turkey aims to highlight its developing defense industry capacity at the summit and reiterate its long-standing call for the removal of all restrictions on defense trade among NATO members.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also said to aim for progress in the acquisition of the SAMP/T air defense system with France and Italy and other defense industry collaborations.
In his bilateral meeting with Trump, Erdogan is expected to emphasize positive developments in Ankara-Washington ties, seek the lifting of US sanctions, and raise Turkey's reintegration into the F-35 fighter jet program.
OTHER CONTACTS ALSO IN ANKARA
Within the scope of the summit, NATO foreign ministers plan to meet with the foreign ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Additionally, a dinner will be held with the participation of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas.
NATO defense ministers are expected to hold meetings with the defense ministers of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.