What are some of the key challenges Nato is facing ahead of the summit in Ankara?

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North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) leaders gathering for a summit in Ankara on July 7-8 will discuss a host of challenges facing the alliance, from Europe taking on more responsibility for the continent’s security to boosting defence industrial production.

Some officials worry the Middle East conflict could overshadow the gathering, but hope leaders will remain focused on the alliance’s core business: defence and deterrence.

Here is a look at the main challenges Nato is facing.

Nato officials say one of their primary goals is to maintain unity and keep the US committed to the alliance’s Article 5 clause, which specifies that an attack on one of its members is an attack on all.