“A Defining Moment for the Alliance”: NATO Meets in Ankara Amid Deep Divisions
World
NATO is preparing for one of its most difficult summits in recent years as divisions between the United States and Europe, the war in Ukraine and the Middle East crisis put the alliance’s unity under serious pressure. Leaders of the 32 member states will meet in Ankara on July 7–8.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has described the upcoming summit as “a defining moment in the history of the alliance.” Since last year’s meeting in The Hague, transatlantic tensions have deepened. Washington has confirmed plans to reduce its military presence in Europe, while allies increasingly diverge over Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East.
One of the main uncertainties surrounded US President Donald Trump’s attendance. The American leader confirmed his trip, citing his respect for Erdoğan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also attend and is expected to hold a face-to-face meeting with Trump.
Collective defence and further support for Ukraine will dominate the agenda. According to media reports, the draft final declaration reaffirms NATO’s “ironclad commitment” to collective defence. Allies are also discussing €70 billion in military assistance for Ukraine in 2026 and maintaining at least a comparable level of support in 2027. Russia may be described as a “long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and stability.”
For Turkey, the summit offers an opportunity to strengthen its position within NATO. The country has the alliance’s second-largest army, while Turkish defence exports have quadrupled since 2020, exceeding $10 billion annually.
Ankara is also seeking improved relations with Washington and a possible return to the F-35 fighter programme. As the United States considers reducing its presence in Europe, Turkey aims to demonstrate its growing strategic and defence importance to the alliance.
One of the main uncertainties surrounded US President Donald Trump’s attendance. The American leader confirmed his trip, citing his respect for Erdoğan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also attend and is expected to hold a face-to-face meeting with Trump.
Collective defence and further support for Ukraine will dominate the agenda. According to media reports, the draft final declaration reaffirms NATO’s “ironclad commitment” to collective defence. Allies are also discussing €70 billion in military assistance for Ukraine in 2026 and maintaining at least a comparable level of support in 2027. Russia may be described as a “long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and stability.”
For Turkey, the summit offers an opportunity to strengthen its position within NATO. The country has the alliance’s second-largest army, while Turkish defence exports have quadrupled since 2020, exceeding $10 billion annually.
Ankara is also seeking improved relations with Washington and a possible return to the F-35 fighter programme. As the United States considers reducing its presence in Europe, Turkey aims to demonstrate its growing strategic and defence importance to the alliance.
Powered by Froala Editor