NATO bid to woo Trump: EU leaders use summit to showcase defence spending

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 8, 2026

NATO members gathered in Ankara to address US concerns about European defence spending and regional security, with European nations highlighting increased military budgets and preparing potential missions, such as securing the Strait of Hormuz. The summit underscores Europe’s growing role in transatlantic defence, including sustained support for Ukraine, while seeking to manage tensions with the US and coordinate responses to Iran.

NATO members are convening in Ankara, Turkey, for a two-day summit aimed at addressing concerns raised by US President Donald Trump over Europe's defence commitments and involvement in ongoing regional conflicts. The meeting comes a year after NATO nations pledged to increase their defence spending to five percent of GDP, a target largely encouraged by the United States.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the progress made since the pledge, stating that European countries have substantially increased military budgets and are assuming greater responsibility for the continent’s defence, particularly in response to Russian aggression. Ahead of the main summit, an industry forum showcased new arms deals valued in the tens of billions of dollars, serving as a demonstration of Europe’s commitment to meeting its security obligations.

Despite these developments, President Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with European allies, criticizing them for not responding swiftly or reciprocally to US efforts. This frustration has been heightened by recent restrictions imposed by some European countries on US forces operating from their bases in attacks against Iran. On social media, Trump lamented what he described as an unbalanced relationship between the United States and its allies.

Diplomatic efforts to maintain constructive relations at the summit include leveraging President Trump’s rapport with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and an active diplomatic push by Mr. Rutte. Meanwhile, European countries, led by France and the United Kingdom, are preparing a potential naval mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint near Iran. Several NATO vessels have been repositioned closer to the region in anticipation, though European leaders remain cautious, seeking clearer details on the fragile US-Iran arrangement before fully committing their naval forces.

In addition to Iran-related security concerns, NATO’s European members have largely assumed responsibility for supporting Ukraine amid reductions in US military aid under the Trump administration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet with President Trump in Ankara, with European leaders committing to sustain at least $80 billion in military assistance to Kyiv annually through 2026 and 2027.

Summarizing the shift in NATO’s strategic posture, Mr. Rutte described the current phase as “NATO 3.0,” reflecting a vision of a stronger Europe contributing to a more resilient transatlantic alliance. The Ankara summit represents an effort to balance evolving geopolitical challenges while reassuring the United States of Europe’s growing defence role.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.