NATO leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are expected to reaffirm an “ironclad commitment” to collective defence at a summit in Ankara next week, according to a draft declaration approved by alliance ambassadors on Friday and reviewed by Reuters.
The summit, scheduled for July 7–8, is set to bring together leaders of NATO’s 32 member states amid renewed questions over Washington’s commitment to the alliance following Trump’s repeated criticism of European defence spending.
“We have gathered in Ankara to reaffirm our ironclad commitment to our collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and to the transatlantic bond. An attack on one is an attack on all,” the draft text says.
The declaration still requires final approval from leaders at the summit.
NATO members are also expected to pledge €70 billion, or about $80 billion, in military assistance to Ukraine for 2026, along with “at least equivalent levels” of support in 2027.
The wording signals that Trump, despite previous threats to reconsider U.S. participation in NATO and doubts he cast over Article 5, may be prepared to endorse the alliance’s core mutual defence principle, at least for now.
Trump has frequently accused NATO allies of relying too heavily on U.S. protection while failing to spend enough on their own defence. His criticism intensified after disputes with European leaders over the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, during which he again questioned Washington’s obligations to the alliance.
The draft declaration describes Russia as a “long-term threat” to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, while saying European allies and Canada are increasing defence spending in line with commitments made at last year’s summit in The Hague.
“We are building the future: a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO,” the text says. “European Allies and Canada, working with the United States, are assuming greater responsibility for the Alliance’s defence.”
The declaration also addresses Iran, stating that allies “reiterate that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon” and call on Tehran to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
