By Elsie Kamsiyochi
NATO leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are expected to send one of the alliance’s strongest messages of unity in recent years by reaffirming their unwavering commitment to collective defence at next week’s summit in Ankara, Turkey. According to a draft summit declaration approved by NATO ambassadors and reviewed by Reuters, the 32-member alliance will declare its “ironclad commitment” to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty—the cornerstone of NATO that states an attack against one member is considered an attack against all.
The declaration marks an important moment for the alliance, which has faced months of uncertainty over Washington’s long-term commitment following President Trump’s repeated criticism of NATO and its European members. Trump has frequently argued that many allies have failed to contribute enough to defence spending, placing an unfair burden on the United States. In recent months, disagreements over the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran further strained relations between Washington and several European capitals, with Trump even suggesting that the United States could reconsider its membership in NATO.
Despite those tensions, the draft declaration indicates that NATO members have managed to bridge their differences ahead of the July 7-8 summit. The document states that leaders have gathered in Ankara “to reaffirm our ironclad commitment to our collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and to the transatlantic bond,” adding the alliance’s long-standing principle that “an attack on one is an attack on all.”
Beyond reaffirming NATO’s mutual defence obligations, the alliance is preparing to significantly increase its support for Ukraine as the country continues its war effort against Russia. Member states are expected to commit €70 billion (approximately $80 billion) in military assistance for Ukraine in 2026, while also promising to maintain at least the same level of support throughout 2027. The funding is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities and reinforce NATO’s determination to counter continued Russian aggression.
The draft declaration also describes Russia as a “long-term threat” to Euro-Atlantic security and stability. NATO leaders are expected to highlight that European allies and Canada are taking on greater responsibility for the alliance’s defence by increasing military spending, fulfilling commitments made during last year’s summit in The Hague. The statement emphasizes that a stronger European contribution will complement, rather than replace, the United States’ leadership within NATO.
“We are building the future: a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO,” the declaration states, underscoring the alliance’s goal of sharing defence responsibilities more equally while maintaining close transatlantic cooperation.
The summit is also expected to address growing security concerns beyond Europe. Leaders will reiterate that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and will call on Tehran to respect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes for global energy supplies.
The Ankara summit comes at a critical time as NATO faces multiple security challenges, including Russia’s continued military threat, instability in the Middle East, and the need to maintain unity among its members despite political differences. By endorsing the declaration, leaders aim to reassure member states, deter potential adversaries, and demonstrate that the alliance remains united in defending its territory and shared security interests.
Although the declaration still requires final approval from heads of state and government during the summit, diplomats say the agreement reached by NATO ambassadors represents a significant step toward presenting a united front. For President Trump, the summit could also signal a temporary easing of tensions with America’s allies, while reaffirming the United States’ role within one of the world’s most important military alliances.
Source Reuters
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