NATO Summit in Ankara: European Allies Seek Stability Amid Tensions With Trump

NATO leaders are set to convene in Ankara next week, where European members aim to bridge diplomatic rifts with U.S. President Donald Trump. Discussions are expected to center on disputes over Iran and Greenland, as Europe seeks to demonstrate its commitment to continental security amid a reduction in U.S. military commitments.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte indicated that the upcoming summit will serve as evidence that European nations are fulfilling their promises to increase defense spending to deter Russian aggression. This commitment is expected to be underscored by the signing of defense contracts valued in the tens of billions of dollars.

The alliance is also expected to reaffirm its support for Ukraine’s defense against the Russian invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who will also hold bilateral discussions with President Trump.

While European officials hope that Trump’s positive relationships with Erdogan and Rutte will facilitate a productive summit, uncertainty remains. Transatlantic relations have been strained by the conflict in Iran and the U.S. president’s frequent public criticisms of the alliance. In a recent Truth Social post, Trump argued that the U.S. is funding the protection of NATO members without receiving reciprocal benefits.

In response, Rutte and other allied leaders have emphasized that the alliance is vital to U.S. national security and noted that European nations are actively responding to Trump’s calls for increased self-sufficiency in defense.

Speaking in Berlin, Rutte stated that the summit will prioritize converting increased spending into combat-ready capabilities and scaling up defense industrial bases. He emphasized that while NATO remains a transatlantic partnership, a “rebalancing” is necessary, with Canada and European allies assuming greater responsibility for conventional defense in Europe.

Rutte noted that European members and Canada increased defense spending by $90 billion in 2025 compared to the previous year, bringing the total to over $570 billion. This follows an agreement reached in The Hague last year to raise core defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, alongside an additional 1.5% investment in broader security sectors, such as cybersecurity.

European diplomats are hoping for a positive outcome similar to the Hague summit, during which Trump reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the 32-member alliance and the Article 5 mutual defense pact. However, the past year has introduced significant friction, including Trump’s suggestion of acquiring Greenland from Denmark and the unilateral launch of a war against Iran that disrupted the global economy.

Furthermore, the U.S. has reduced its military footprint in Europe, withdrawing troops and cutting assets assigned to NATO defense plans—including drones, fighter jets, and an aircraft carrier—while initiating a six-month review of its continental presence. One European diplomat described the alliance as “alive and kicking but a bit bruised.”

Concerns persist that the fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict could overshadow the meetings, particularly if violence flares up or if Trump criticizes European allies for their perceived lack of support for U.S. military operations. Trump has previously suggested that a lack of cooperation could compromise the U.S. obligation to aid allies under attack.

NATO officials maintain that most allies provided critical support by allowing the U.S. to use their airspace and bases, despite the war being unpopular across Europe. The conflict has also strained personal relationships between Trump and leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Despite these tensions, a senior NATO diplomat expressed optimism, suggesting that leaders recognize the high stakes involved and believe that Secretary General Mark Rutte can act as a mediator to ensure a diplomatic resolution.

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