Key agenda items emerge ahead of NATO summit in Ankara

Threats and challenges facing the Euro-Atlantic region, the situation in Ukraine and developments on NATO’s southern flank will be among the main topics of the alliance’s summit in Ankara on July 7-8, Burhanettin Duran, Head of the Public Relations Department of the Turkish Presidential Administration, stated.

“At the summit, within the framework of a comprehensive approach, participants will assess the steps taken under the decision to increase defence spending, as well as the alliance’s deterrence and defence efforts. Leaders will also exchange views in a strategic context on threats, risks and challenges facing the Euro-Atlantic region. The situation in Ukraine and recent developments on NATO’s southern flank will also be discussed,” Duran wrote on X.

36. NATO Devlet ve Hükûmet Başkanları Zirvesi, Cumhurbaşkanımız Sayın Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’ın ev sahipliğinde 7-8 Temmuz 2026 tarihlerinde Ankara’da Cumhurbaşkanlığı Külliyesinde tertiplenecektir.

Zirvede, savunma yatırımlarının artırılması kararı bağlamında atılan adımlar ve…

— Burhanettin Duran (@burhanduran) July 5, 2026

A meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of heads of state and government, chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is scheduled for July 8.

On July 7, Erdoğan and his wife, Emine Erdoğan, will welcome heads of state and government, along with their spouses, at a reception and dinner at the presidential complex.

Erdoğan’s schedule also includes numerous bilateral meetings with leaders of NATO member states. US President Donald Trump is expected to attend, and the Turkish presidency has reportedly prepared a highest-level welcoming ceremony ahead of their bilateral talks.

According to the communications directorate, representatives from all 32 NATO member states will attend the summit at the level of heads of state and government, while around 100 ministers are also expected to participate. More than 56,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure the event’s security.

By Jeyhun Aghazada