07.07.2026 16:52
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in his statement regarding the NATO Summit to be held in Turkey, said, "The meeting in Ankara is taking place during a turbulent period. In this time, we need a strong and united NATO as a guarantee of our freedom and security. I have spoken with Secretary General Mark Rutte, US President Donald Trump, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. I hope that together we can succeed in creating an 'Ankara Spirit'."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made statements in Berlin before departing for Ankara to attend the NATO Summit. Merz shared his expectations for the summit and his assessments regarding the agenda.
Pointing out that the NATO Summit in Ankara takes place during a turbulent period, Chancellor Merz said, 'In this period, we need a strong and united NATO as a guarantee of our freedom and security. A year ago, at the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands, we decided to significantly increase our defense spending. Since then, we have achieved a lot. Germany has increased its defense spending from 2022 to 124 billion euros by 2026. Since the year Russia started its war against Ukraine, we have doubled our defense spending. We are not making this great effort to do anyone a favor. We are making this great effort because it is necessary for our defense and security.'
MERZ: 'WE MUST CREATE AN 'ANKARA SPIRIT'
Drawing attention to the summit agenda, including international issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and steps regarding NATO's future, the German Chancellor said, 'This makes it even more important for us to come together in Ankara. This is a demonstration of strength and unity. I have spoken with Secretary General Mark Rutte, US President Donald Trump, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan about the preparations for the NATO Summit in Ankara. I hope that together we can succeed in creating an 'Ankara Spirit'.'
70 BILLION EUROS IN ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR UKRAINE
Noting that the Russia-Ukraine war will be one of the key topics of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Friedrich Merz stated, 'The war in Ukraine will also be on our agenda at the summit. This summit could be a turning point in the war. It is thought that the Kremlin is now gradually beginning to understand that Russia cannot win this war and cannot achieve its war goals. Therefore, an agreement is planned through Germany's initiative. New and additional resources will be provided to Ukraine. In 2026 and 2027, European allies will allocate an additional 70 billion euros in resources.'
'WE ARE BUILDING A EUROPE-CENTERED NATO'
Speaking also about NATO's future roadmap, German Chancellor Merz expressed his expectation from the Ankara Summit, saying, 'From this summit, a message should emanate to build a Europe-centered NATO so that NATO can maintain its transatlantic character. We are working to create a Europe-centered NATO. This way, NATO can preserve its transatlantic character. We support this not only with defense policy but also with our defense industry.'
The German Chancellor concluded his statement with the words: 'I hope for a productive meeting in Ankara, a successful NATO Summit, and a successful continuation of transatlantic cooperation with a distinctly strengthened European pillar.'