Ankara hosts the 36th NATO summit
The 36th NATO summit is taking place in Ankara from July 6 to July 8, 2026, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Leaders from 32 member states are in attendance, with discussions focusing on increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 and enhancing military support for Ukraine. US President Donald Trump is among the key participants, planning bilateral meetings with various leaders including President Volodymyr Zelensky and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The summit agenda includes a NATO Defense Industry Forum and meetings with Gulf Cooperation Council ministers under the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. First Lady Emine Erdogan is hosting a side program for leaders' spouses regarding digital security for children. While Greece, Poland, and Baltic nations report meeting the new spending targets, other allies face pressure to submit concrete implementation plans. The event is characterized by significant security measures, with thousands of personnel involved.