International/Turkey

NATO Releases Final Statement on Ankara Summit

The statement affirmed that member states renew their 'firm commitment' to Article 5 of the NATO treaty on collective defense, and that 'an attack on one ally is an attack on all allies.'

Şerife Çetin, Ahmet Kartal

July 8, 2026•Updated: July 8, 2026

BRUSSELS

Brussels / Anadolu

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday published the final statement of the 36th summit of allied heads of state and government, hosted by the Turkish capital Ankara on July 7-8.

The statement affirmed that member states met in Ankara to renew their 'firm commitment' to Article 5 of the NATO treaty on collective defense and the transatlantic relationship, stressing that 'an attack on one ally is an attack on all allies.'

It added that the alliance's unity, solidarity, and collective strength will remain the foundation of peace, security, and prosperity for one billion citizens in its member countries, reaffirming continued commitment to a 360-degree comprehensive deterrence and defense approach.

The statement noted that allies are implementing the Hague Defense Pledge to counter the long-term Russian threat to the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic area, as well as the persistent threat of terrorism, noting that European allies and Canada increased their investment in basic defense requirements in 2025 by more than $139 billion.

- Defense agreements worth more than $50 billion

The statement explained that these investments help provide the required military capabilities and strengthen defense industries and strategic resilience, adding: 'Today in Ankara, we announce new supply agreements exceeding $50 billion, and we pledge to work with the industrial sector to enhance collective production capabilities and accelerate the pace of innovation.'

The alliance affirmed its intention to continue removing barriers to defense trade among member states and to leverage NATO partnerships to enhance cooperation and expand the defense industrial base.

The statement also stressed the pursuit of building a stronger NATO within a stronger Europe and a more modern alliance, with European allies and Canada assuming greater responsibilities alongside the United States in defending the alliance.

It pointed out that NATO's deterrence and defense strength is based on a mix of nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities, supported by space and cyber space capabilities.

The statement affirmed the alliance's commitment to maintaining combat superiority through investment in force deployment and sustainability, developing long-range precision strike capabilities, integrated air and missile defense, unmanned systems, advanced technologies, and intelligence, along with developing a transatlantic combat cloud based on advanced artificial intelligence models.

- Support for Ukraine

The statement reaffirmed the alliance's steadfast support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, noting that European allies and Canada now fund the majority of security assistance provided to Kyiv through bilateral and multilateral channels.

Allies announced their commitment to provide €70 billion to Ukraine during 2026, including military equipment, aid, and training, while confirming continued support at at least the same level during 2027.

The statement also welcomed the European Union's decision to provide multi-year funding for Ukraine through a loan mechanism.

- Call to Iran

Regarding the Middle East, the statement affirmed that the alliance continues to adapt to strategic competition, instability, hybrid threats, and recurrent crises, reiterating that 'Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon' and calling on Tehran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement concluded by thanking Turkey for its 'generous hospitality' during the summit, expressing anticipation for the next meeting of allied leaders.