NATO members are also expected to commit €70 billion ($80 billion) in military support to Ukraine for 2026 and “at least equivalent levels” of assistance in 2027, as outlined in the declaration, which requires final approval from the leaders at the summit.
“We … have convened in Ankara to reiterate our unwavering commitment to our collective defense under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and to the transatlantic partnership. An attack on one is an attack on all,” states the declaration for the summit scheduled on July 7 and 8.
Trump has often criticized NATO and its members, claiming they do not invest enough in defense and depend on the United States for Europe’s protection.
Following tensions with European leaders over the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Trump expressed skepticism regarding the U.S. commitment to NATO’s mutual defense agreement and hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from the alliance.
However, the text, approved by ambassadors from all NATO’s 32 members, including the United States, indicates that the US president is prepared to set those concerns aside, at least temporarily.
The declaration emphasizes that Russia represents “a long-term threat” to “Euro-Atlantic security and stability” and notes that NATO’s European members and Canada are fulfilling their commitment made at last year’s summit in The Hague to increase defense expenditure.
“We are shaping the future: a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO,” the text asserts. “European Allies and Canada, alongside the United States, are taking on greater responsibility for the Alliance’s defense.”
The statement also reaffirms that “Allies insist that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon and urge Iran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”
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($1 = 0.8737 euros)
