NATO: We Remain Firmly Committed to Collective Defense, Alliance Undergoing Modernization

A statement was issued today from the NATO summit in Ankara, in which the heads of state and government of the Alliance member countries met to „reaffirm their ironclad commitment to collective defense based on Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, as well as their transatlantic bond.“ The statement also notes that the North Atlantic military alliance is „building the future“ on the principle of a „stronger Europe in a stronger NATO“ within a „modernized Alliance.“

„An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. Our unity, solidarity, and collective strength remain the foundation of peace, security, and prosperity for one billion citizens of our alliance of free and democratic nations. We remain committed to our comprehensive approach to deterrence and defense,“ the joint statement from the summit in Ankara reads.

It is also emphasized that „Ukraine contributes to transatlantic security,“ that „allies are united in their unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,“ and that they are pledging 70 billion euros in military equipment, training, and other forms of assistance for 2026, confirming their commitment to maintain „at least the same level“ of support in 2027 as well. 

„European allies and Canada now finance the majority of security assistance to Ukraine through bilateral and multilateral means. Allies stress that this support must be fair, predictable, and sustainable in the long term,“ the statement adds.

For 2026, the allies are pledging 70 billion euros in military equipment, assistance, and training for Ukraine and confirm their sovereign commitments to maintain at least equal levels in 2027. In this regard, we welcome the European Union’s decision to provide multi-year financing to Ukraine through support loans.

NATO has announced new procurements worth 50 billion dollars and has committed to expanding collective production capacities and cooperating with industry to accelerate innovation.

„We will continue our work to remove barriers in defense trade among allies and will leverage NATO partnerships to maximize depth and cooperation in the defense industry,“ the statement adds.

The Alliance stated that it maintains its position that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons and called on Tehran to fully respect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.