NATO Defence Ministers make good progress ahead of the Ankara Summit

Live updates

1. 12d ago

   NATO Ministers Advance Security Priorities Before Ankara Summit

   NATO defense ministers met in Brussels on June 17-18 to discuss security priorities and joint capabilities. The upcoming Ankara summit is viewed by Turkish officials as a strategic turning point for the alliance. US President Donald Trump confirmed he plans to attend the event in Turkey.

   What's confirmed:

   • NATO defense ministers met in Brussels on June 17-18, 2026.
   • President Donald Trump confirmed on June 19 that he plans to travel to Turkey for the summit.
   • National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler described the Ankara summit as an "important turning point" for the alliance's strategic direction.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • European NATO allies face pressure to realize defense spending pledges to satisfy Washington.
   • The Brussels meeting occurred amid a US announcement of a major review of its military presence in Europe.
   confidence 90%
2. 14d ago

   NATO Defence Ministers Prepare for Ankara Summit

   Allied Defence Ministers met in Brussels on 18 June 2026 for their final session before next month's summit in Ankara. Secretary General Mark Rutte stated the alliance is moving into an implementation phase. The focus remains on increasing defence spending and expanding military production.

   What's confirmed:

   • NATO Defence Ministers met in Brussels on 18 June 2026.
   • Secretary General Mark Rutte described the progress made on NATO priorities as "good".
   • The upcoming NATO Summit will take place in Ankara next month.
   • Mark Rutte stated the Ankara summit will be "all about implementation".
   • US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attended the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in defense ministers format.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • NATO allies are boosting defence spending due to US demands for more action.
   • NATO seeks "credible" spending plans from members at the next summit.
   confidence 100%