Türkiye is set to host the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government on July 7–8, 2026, bringing together leaders from across the Alliance to discuss security challenges, defense investments, and key regional developments, according to a statement by Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran.

The summit will be held under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, marking one of the most significant international gatherings hosted by Türkiye in recent years.

According to Duran, NATO leaders will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Alliance’s priorities from what he described as a “360-degree perspective.” Discussions are expected to focus on the implementation of decisions aimed at increasing defense spending among member states, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities.

The summit agenda will also include strategic consultations on the evolving security environment in the Euro-Atlantic region. Leaders are expected to exchange views on emerging threats, risks, and challenges confronting the Alliance, while addressing major international developments affecting regional stability.

Among the key issues expected to dominate discussions are the ongoing war in Ukraine and recent developments along NATO’s southern flank. Leaders will assess the latest security dynamics and explore ways to enhance cooperation in response to challenges facing member states and partner countries.

As part of the summit program, President Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan will host a reception and official dinner at the Presidential Complex on July 7 in honor of visiting heads of state and government, as well as their spouses.

The following day, the North Atlantic Council—the Alliance’s principal political decision-making body—will convene at the level of heads of state and government under the chairmanship of President Erdoğan.

In addition to the multilateral meetings, Erdoğan is expected to hold a series of bilateral talks with participating leaders on the sidelines of the summit. The meetings are expected to focus on Türkiye’s relations with allied nations, regional security issues, defense cooperation, and a range of international developments.

The Ankara summit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and growing debate within NATO regarding collective defense, military modernization, burden-sharing, and the future strategic direction of the Alliance.

Hosting the summit is expected to further underscore Türkiye’s role within NATO as one of the Alliance’s key members and an important actor in regional and international security affairs. The gathering will bring together leaders from across North America and Europe to discuss shared security priorities and chart NATO’s course in an increasingly complex global environment. (ILKHA)