NATO leaders will meet in Ankara on 8–9 July 2026 to discuss key issues, including support for Ukraine and strengthening the Alliance’s defence capabilities.
- The NATO summit will take place on 8–9 July in Ankara.
- The leaders will reaffirm their military support for Ukraine.
- European allies are planning to increase their defence spending.
- Relations with Trump remain strained.
- The meeting could prove decisive for NATO’s unity.
NATO Summit: key issues and challenges
NATO leaders are due to hold a summit in Ankara next week, against the backdrop of strained relations between European allies and the US President Donald Trump. The main topics of the meeting will include strengthening the Alliance’s defence capabilities, continued support for Ukraine and the future role of the US in the European security architecture.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rütte stated that the summit should confirm that European allies are fulfilling their commitments to increase defence spending. According to him, defence contracts worth tens of billions of dollars could be signed during the meeting, and the expansion of arms production will also be discussed. Rutte emphasised that Europe and Canada are taking on greater responsibility for the continent’s security, whilst maintaining the transatlantic partnership with the US.
Support for Ukraine is on the agenda
At the summit, the allies are expected to reaffirm their intention to continue providing funding supply of weapons Ukraine. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been invited to an official dinner hosted by the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and may also hold separate talks with Donald Trump.
Despite expectations of a constructive atmosphere, diplomats acknowledge that relations within the Alliance remain strained. Over the past year, Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised allies for insufficient defence spending, announced cuts to the US military presence in Europe and caused concern with statements regarding Greenland. A further factor was the US military operation against Iran, which sparked controversy between Washington and a number of European capitals.
Why it matters
The summit in Ankara will be one of the most important for NATO in recent years. Its outcome will show whether the allies can maintain unity against the backdrop of a shift in US policy, the growing Russian threat and the need for long-term support for Ukraine.
