As noted in Duran’s statement, as reported by the Anadolu Agency, the leaders are expected to discuss Euro-Atlantic threats, risks, and challenges at the strategic level. The North Atlantic Council will convene on July 8, chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, at the level of heads of state and government of the allied nations.
“A Test of Resilience”
International media outlets note that the summit in Ankara will be a serious test of NATO’s political unity. The meeting of leaders from 32 countries will take place against the backdrop of a deep crisis in the Middle East caused by the war in Iran, as well as intense pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who demands absolute “loyalty” from allies.
As an Associated Press journalist notes, NATO cannot function without its largest and most powerful ally. At the same time, Europe is being pushed to defend itself, while Russia—the “historical reason for the alliance’s creation”—poses an ever-greater threat.
For his part, Erdogan is considered another key NATO member with his own take on policy. “His close ties with Trump may keep the U.S. president at the negotiating table, but they are unlikely to help resolve the differences,” the author asserts.
Defense-Industrial Revolution
To prevent Washington from taking radical steps, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte intends to launch a large-scale defense-industrial reform at the summit. This move is designed to open up new markets for the U.S. defense industry through multibillion-euro European arms procurement contracts.
“He is expected to announce a large-scale program that he himself calls the ‘defense-industrial revolution.’ It includes new contracts and procurement agreements worth tens of billions of dollars for European countries seeking to sharply increase their arms production. Rutte’s goal […] is to show Trump an attractive market for American industry and to present economic arguments in favor of NATO that he won’t be able to resist,” writes Deutsche Welle.
For Turkey itself, this summit coincides with the 74th anniversary of its membership in the organization. Ankara intends to use its home-field advantage to secure firm commitments from its allies in the final declaration regarding the fight against terrorism and the defense of its southern flank.
Unprecedented attention and heightened security measures
According to Anadolu, about 3,000 journalists, television crews, photojournalists, digital media representatives, and international broadcasters from around the world have applied for accreditation to cover the summit.
A total of 56,288 law enforcement officers will be deployed to ensure security during the summit, including 48,841 police officers and 7,447 gendarmerie officers.
In addition, 639 specialists will be deployed for round-the-clock virtual patrols in cyberspace to combat crime and criminals. Three airports, including Esenboğa and Mürted, will be used to serve summit participants.
The two-day program will feature 45 events.
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