Ankara summit embraces ‘stronger Europe, stronger NATO’ vision
Two men walk past the NATO logo during the NATO Defense Industry Forum at the NATO summit in Ankara. (AP Photo)
NATO leaders on July 8 endorsed the slogan “a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO” at the alliance’s summit in Ankara, pledging higher defense spending, expanded military production and a greater European role in collective security while reaffirming the transatlantic alliance.
In a joint declaration issued after the summit, the heads of state and government said the alliance was “building the future: a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO — a modernized Alliance,” underscoring that European allies and Canada, working alongside the United States, are assuming greater responsibility for NATO’s defense.
The declaration reflects NATO’s broader effort to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities while preserving the alliance’s transatlantic framework, amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and growing concerns over long-term security challenges.
