NATO leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to collective defence during the alliance’s upcoming summit in Ankara, Turkey, scheduled for July 7 and 8. A draft declaration approved by NATO ambassadors outlines the alliance’s intention to strengthen cooperation among member states and reinforce the principle that the security of one member is the responsibility of all. The declaration will be formally considered by leaders during the summit.

The document reiterates the alliance’s commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, which states that an attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against all members. This principle has remained the foundation of NATO’s collective defence policy since the alliance was established and continues to guide its security strategy in response to evolving global challenges.

The summit is expected to bring together leaders from all 32 NATO member countries, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to discuss defence cooperation, regional stability, and long-term security priorities. Officials say the gathering aims to demonstrate unity among allies while addressing a range of geopolitical developments affecting the Euro-Atlantic region.

Continued Support for Ukraine

According to the draft declaration, NATO members are expected to pledge €70 billion (approximately $80 billion) in military assistance for Ukraine during 2026. The document also states that allies intend to maintain at least an equivalent level of support in 2027, reflecting the alliance’s continued commitment to assisting Ukraine as the conflict continues.

The declaration describes Russia as a long-term security challenge for the Euro-Atlantic region and emphasizes the importance of strengthening defence capabilities across NATO member states. It also highlights ongoing efforts to improve military readiness, modernize defence infrastructure, and enhance cooperation among allied nations.

Alliance officials have also encouraged member countries to continue increasing defence investments and improving interoperability between their armed forces. These measures are intended to ensure that NATO remains prepared to respond effectively to future security challenges while maintaining a coordinated defence posture.

Regional Security and Future Priorities

In addition to discussing collective defence and support for Ukraine, the draft declaration addresses several broader regional security issues. It states that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon and calls for continued respect for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. These issues are expected to form part of broader discussions on international stability and security cooperation during the summit.

Leaders are also expected to examine ways to strengthen cooperation between NATO members, improve defence planning, and address emerging security risks. The summit is intended to reinforce the alliance’s long-term strategic objectives while encouraging closer collaboration among member states.

The final declaration is expected to be formally adopted after discussions conclude during the Ankara summit. Until then, the current text remains a draft that reflects the positions agreed upon by NATO ambassadors ahead of the meeting.