The conclusions of the NATO Summit in Ankara

NATO states reiterate their commitment to collective defence and pledge massive investments to make it more effective.

Ştefan Stoica, 09.07.2026, 14:00

The Allied summit hosted by Turkey this week was a success, as it reaffirmed the unity of NATO member states and their commitment to investing even more in collective defence. It was a productive meeting, even though its opening was overshadowed by US president Donald Trump’s vocal criticism of his country’s NATO partners over Greenland and Iran. What’s important, however, are the conclusions of the summit. Russia poses a “long-term threat” to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, according to the summit declaration issued by NATO leaders who met in Ankara.

The document reiterates the commitment to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. “We, the Heads of State and Government of the North Atlantic Alliance, 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.  An attack on one is an attack on all.  Our unity, solidarity and collective strength remain the foundation of peace, security, and prosperity for the one billion citizens in our Alliance of free and democratic nations.  We remain committed to our 360-degree approach to deterrence and defence”, the signatories said.

The declaration further says that in order “to counter the long-term threat Russia poses to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, and the persistent threat of terrorism, Allies are delivering on The Hague defence commitment”, with European Allies and Canada increasing their investments in core defence requirements by more than $139 billion in 2025.  “Our investments are delivering the capabilities we need while strengthening our industrial base and resilience”, said the allies, while pledging to expand collective manufacturing capacity and working with industry to accelerate innovation.

The summit declaration also highlights Europe’s role within the alliance: “We are building the future: a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO – a modernised Alliance.  European Allies and Canada, working with the United States, are assuming greater responsibility for the Alliance’s defence.  NATO’s deterrence and defence rest on an appropriate mix of nuclear, conventional, and missile defence capabilities, complemented by space and cyber assets.”

The Declaration of the NATO Summit in Ankara shows that Allies have honoured their commitments with regard to defence spending, Romania’s president Nicuşor Dan, who also attended the summit, said on Wednesday. He added that equitable responsibility sharing within the Alliance will strengthen the transatlantic bond for decades to come. Nicuşor Dan also emphasised that Romania is among the allied nations leading the way with respect to the equitable distribution of defence efforts. And even the unpredictable president Trump hailed the spirit and unity shown at the summit.