NATO issued the Ankara Summit Declaration following its 36th summit, held in the Turkish capital, Ankara, on July 7 and 8, setting out the alliance’s defense priorities, reaffirming collective defense commitments, and pledging continued support for Ukraine.

The Turkish Anadolu Agency reported today, Wednesday, July 8, that the declaration reaffirmed member states’ commitment to Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which covers collective defense, and to the transatlantic relationship, stressing that “any attack on one Ally is considered an attack on all Allies.”

The statement added that the alliance’s unity, solidarity, and collective strength will remain the foundation of peace, security, and prosperity for one billion citizens in its member states, while confirming continued commitment to a comprehensive deterrence and defense approach.

It noted that European Allies and Canada increased their investments in basic defense requirements during 2025 by more than $139 billion.

The members also reached new procurement agreements worth more than $50 billion, in addition to pledging to work with the industrial sector to strengthen collective production capacity and accelerate the pace of innovation.

The alliance confirmed its intention to continue removing obstacles to defense trade among member states and to benefit from NATO partnerships to strengthen cooperation and expand the defense industrial base.

The statement also stressed efforts to build a stronger NATO within a stronger Europe and a more modern alliance, with European Allies and Canada assuming greater responsibilities alongside the United States in defending the alliance.

It said NATO’s deterrence and defense power is based on a mix of nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities, supported by space and cyber capabilities.

Support for Ukraine

The statement reaffirmed the alliance’s steadfast support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, noting that European Allies and Canada are now funding the largest share of security assistance provided to Kyiv through bilateral and multilateral channels.

The Allies announced their commitment to provide 70 billion euros to Ukraine during 2026, including military equipment, assistance, and training, while confirming that support will continue at least at the same level during 2027.

The statement also welcomed the European Union’s decision to provide multi-year funding for Ukraine through a loan mechanism to support it.

The Iranian File

NATO’s statement called on Tehran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, reaffirming that “Iran should never possess a nuclear weapon.”

The statement concluded by thanking Turkey for the “generous hospitality” it provided while hosting the summit and expressed anticipation for the alliance leaders’ next meeting.

The 36th NATO summit opened in the Turkish capital, Ankara, on July 7, with the participation of leaders of member states and the alliance’s partners, to discuss security and defense issues and regional challenges.

Differences in Views

The NATO summit took place at a time when differences in views are emerging between the US administration and its European counterparts over several files.

US President Donald Trump had earlier threatened to withdraw from the Western military alliance, against the backdrop of European governments’ refusal to take part in the US war on Iran.

The Iranian issue is among the most problematic files for NATO members, especially after the war launched by the US administration in cooperation with Israel against Iran in late February, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy route, and was reflected in higher global oil prices.

The Ukrainian issue is also an important file, amid European governments’ efforts to continue support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, which has been ongoing since February 2022.

Trump, meanwhile, is seeking to reach a political settlement to resolve the file with Russia, something Europe fears could come at the expense of Ukraine and European interests.

Trump rarely misses an opportunity to criticize European policy in this field, pointing out that the US government bears the greatest burden in defending the alliance and its members.