NATO summit kicks off in Ankara this week with tensions simmering, especially between U.S. and European allies . As 32 leaders gather to discuss defense and Ukraine support, President Donald Trump already sparked controversy with his comments on alliance dynamics. He slammed U.S. commitment to NATO, calling it “ridiculous” that America bears too much financial burden while Europe doesn't pull its weight.
Starting Tuesday, summit aims to tackle three main goals: boosting defense spending,strengthening Europe’s defense industry, keeping military support for Ukraine steady. Allies pledged last year to spend 5% of GDP on defense; Europe and Canada expected to up investments by $139 billion by 2025.
But Trump's threats to pull U.S. troops from NATO and decision to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany cast a shadow over talks. Analysts say alliance isn't at breaking point but faces big changes. Ian Lesser from German Marshall Fund said NATO is entering a “period of profound adjustment.”
Trump's NATO doubts aren't new, but Iran conflict made things worse. He's criticized European allies for not backing U.S . military efforts, especially in Strait of Hormuz. On Thursday,he repeated his stance,stressing U.S. spends more on NATO than any other country without getting enough in return.
Despite changes, experts think U.S . leaving NATO is unlikely due to political, legal hurdles. Trump would need two-thirds Senate majority or Congress act to withdraw—both seem unlikely,especially with midterms that could shake up Congress. Lesser noted U.S. role in European security is crucial,has bipartisan support in Washington.
European leaders,while accepting changing U.S. role,hope summit offers strategic planning . Sophia Besch from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace wants more predictability in transatlantic ties. She warned a messy shift from U.S.-led to Europe-led NATO might create big defense gaps .
Ukraine invasion showed Europe's defense weaknesses,reliance on U.S. military. Even with defense spending up 62% from 2020 to 2025,Europe still leans heavily on U.S. for key military assets like long-range strikes,integrated air defense. Closing these gaps is tough—could cost $1 trillion,take over decade.
As NATO leaders meet,what they decide could shape alliance's future amid these shifts… Need cohesive strategy to strengthen European defense while keeping transatlantic unity is urgent.
