The NATO summit in Ankara concluded on 8 July with a final communiqué that identified Russia as a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security, and with member states announcing new defence investment commitments. The gathering, hosted by Turkey, was marked by sharp fluctuations in tone from US President Donald Trump, who publicly threatened trade sanctions against Spain before later praising Madrid’s “generosity” and describing the closed-door leaders’ session as filled with “love.” According to European diplomats, the summit did not resolve underlying disputes over defence spending targets and the alliance’s strategic direction.

Viewed from Washington, the summit delivered on core US objectives: European allies pledged to increase military expenditure, with a new goal of reaching 5 percent of GDP by 2035 under discussion, and several joined US-led defence industrial projects. Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had arrived in Ankara criticising allies for insufficient support in the US military campaign against Iran and for lagging on burden-sharing. The US president also revived his demand to acquire Greenland, a Danish territory, though diplomats said he did not raise the issue in the closed session. European governments, particularly Spain, faced intense pressure. Madrid initially resisted the 5 percent target, prompting Trump to call it a “terrible partner” and threaten to sever all bilateral trade. However, after Spain joined the Alliance for Persistent Surveillance from Space and a multinational fleet of A400M aircraft, Trump declared that Spain had “redeemed itself completely.” Spanish officials denied making any new payments, insisting that existing commitments and explanations from Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had satisfied the US president.

The summit’s Defence Industry Forum saw announcements of €43 billion in commercial agreements, including joint procurement of naval systems, anti-ship missiles, and satellite intelligence. Analysts in Ankara note that these deals reflect a gradual European shift toward greater strategic autonomy, driven by persistent US demands for fairer burden-sharing. Yet they caution that the political will to achieve autonomy without weakening operational capabilities remains uncertain. The communiqué’s language on Russia drew criticism from some European commentators who argue that Moscow has not attacked a NATO member and that the alliance’s own interventions have been destabilising. Meanwhile, the summit’s backdrop included the unresolved conflict in Ukraine and Trump’s abrupt declaration that he was no longer bound by the ceasefire and understanding with Iran, which briefly unsettled financial markets before the atmosphere shifted.

Despite the public display of unity, most diplomats do not expect the détente to last. They recall that after last year’s summit in The Hague, Trump hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin weeks later, undercutting allied solidarity. The question of Iran’s nuclear programme remains unanswered, with Trump stating only that Iran would not acquire a nuclear weapon on his watch. European elections in Italy, Spain, Poland, and France within the next year could alter the political landscape, potentially reshaping national positions on defence spending and relations with both Washington and Moscow. For now, the alliance has papered over its divisions, but the underlying tensions over strategic priorities and the cost of collective defence are set to persist.