NATO leaders gathered in Ankara this week and doubled down on their commitment to collective defence, reaffirming the alliance's core principle that an attack on one member triggers a response from all. The heads of state and government issued a declaration after their meeting in Turkey, pledging what they called an "ironclad commitment" to the transatlantic bond and the mutual protection guaranteed under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty.
The alliance announced over $50 billion in new defence spending, alongside plans to expand shared manufacturing capacity and boost innovation through closer work with industry partners. This spending spree builds on roughly $139 billion already committed by European allies and Canada in 2025 to shore up their military capabilities.
"We are building a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO," the declaration stated. European members and Canada are stepping up their role in the alliance's defence alongside the United States, the leaders stressed.
NATO said it would continue tearing down trade barriers between members to strengthen defence industry cooperation and depth. The alliance identified nuclear, conventional, and missile defence capabilities as the foundation of its deterrence strategy, backed by space and cyber operations.
Ukraine featured prominently in the summit declaration, with NATO acknowledging how the country's struggle shapes transatlantic security interests. The alliance reiterated its backing for Ukraine's fight to preserve its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial borders.
NATO is channelling €70 billion into military equipment, training, and assistance for Ukraine this year. Leaders committed to maintaining at least the same level of support in 2027, according to the declaration.
