Successful Hosting by Türkiye — The NATO Summit in Ankara (7–8 July 2026) was well-organized, highlighting Türkiye’s logistical capability and strategic importance at the crossroads of multiple regions.

Diverse Media Coverage — Turkish government-aligned media portrayed the summit as a diplomatic triumph for Erdoğan and Türkiye, while independent and international media focused more on NATO’s strategic agenda, European security, and concerns about press freedom and democratic standards.

Substance Over Ceremony — The summit’s true success will be judged by its decisions on defence spending, support for Ukraine, deterrence capabilities, and the implementation of commitments — not just its smooth organization.

The NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, held on 7–8 July 2026 at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, marks the second NATO leaders’ summit hosted by Türkiye, following the landmark 2004 Istanbul Summit. As such, it represents an important moment both for the Alliance and for Türkiye’s role in international diplomacy.

The first day’s agenda focused on increasing defence spending, strengthening NATO’s deterrence and collective defence capabilities,........

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