Ankara, Turkey – All eyes are on the Turkish capital, Ankara, today, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, as it hosts the NATO summit. Reuters reports that alliance leaders are preparing to announce a significant increase in defense spending, a move aimed at bolstering defense capabilities in response to growing concerns about Russia since 2022. This move also aims to address repeated US demands for European allies to shoulder a greater share of the continent’s defense.
In response to American demands and concerns about Russian expansion
This increase in spending sends a clear message to US President Donald Trump, who arrives at the summit after a formal dinner with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other NATO leaders. In this context, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte revealed a significant leap in defense funding, with European and Canadian spending exceeding $570 billion this year, an increase of $90 billion compared to 2024.
On the sidelines of the summit, several sensitive issues are expected to be raised. Trump is likely to inform President Erdoğan of his willingness to reinstate Turkey in the F-35 fighter jet program, a move that could end years of dispute over the S-400 missile system. The summit agenda also includes a commitment to support Ukraine with an additional aid package of €70 billion for this year.
Turkish warnings of a “strategic weakness”
On the other hand, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s remarks stood out as a significant addition to the summit discussions. He strongly criticized the restrictions imposed on cooperation in the defense industries within Europe. Fidan described these restrictions as a “strategic weakness” that reduces the alliance’s effectiveness and slows its response to evolving security threats. In a message delivered via the “X” platform, Fidan emphasized that contemporary security challenges necessitate enhanced industrial capacity and operational readiness. He also stressed that European defense initiatives cannot succeed unless they include all NATO members, including Türkiye.
Fragile balances amid political tensions
The summit is taking place amid a tense atmosphere, with Trump still criticizing allies for their lack of support in a potential conflict with Iran, and concerns lingering about a possible withdrawal of some US troops from Europe. Nevertheless, European leaders, along with Erdoğan and Rutte, are seeking to use this summit to repair relations and stabilize the situation. They also aim to build a more cohesive, resilient alliance capable of confronting future geopolitical challenges. This places the Ankara summit as a true test of the alliance’s ability to overcome its internal divisions at a pivotal moment in the history of international security.
