What Ankara expects from the summit.
What Ankara expects from the summit.
Türkiye is preparing to host the NATO Summit on July 7–8 for the second time, at a moment when the Alliance is redefining its security strategy in response to the war in Ukraine and growing instability across the Middle East. For Ankara, the meeting represents more than a routine gathering of allied leaders; it is an opportunity to reinforce its strategic value within NATO and to advance its political and economic interests.
The summit agenda is expected to focus on NATO’s evolving security concept, increased defense spending, military preparedness, and the Alliance’s long-term response to the changing global security environment. According to experts, these developments have significantly enhanced Türkiye’s geopolitical importance.
Fahri Erenel, retired general from the Turkish Armed Forces and an academic at the Istinye University, argues that Türkiye is entering this new phase from a position of strength.
“Türkiye is shining like a star throughout this transformation process. It is clear what Türkiye stands to gain: investment, technology and greater military capabilities. More importantly, we want to become part of the European security architecture. NATO provides the framework that can make these preparations easier.”
One of Ankara’s main priorities is expanding cooperation in the defense industry. A special defense industry forum will be held alongside the summit, bringing together government officials and industry representatives to discuss technology transfer, joint production projects, and Europe’s growing demand for defense capabilities.
Erenel believes Europe’s defense industry will increasingly depend on cooperation with countries such as Türkiye.
“At the moment, Europe’s defense industry does not have the capacity to meet this demand. The countries that can meet it are the United States and countries such as Türkiye that have developed their defense industries. Türkiye can establish new defense partnerships with European countries. This would provide significant financial resources and create new opportunities for the Turkish defense industry.”
Beyond defense cooperation, Türkiye also seeks broader recognition of its strategic position within the Alliance. Ankara aims not only to contribute militarily to Europe’s security architecture but also to participate in its political decision-making processes.
Professor Vişne Korkmaz from the Nişantaşı University explains:
“Türkiye wants to become part of the European security architecture. Not only through factories, workers, weapons and soldiers, but also by taking part in the political process. That is our objective. That is why we will continue pushing that door.”
Diplomatic issues are also expected to feature prominently during the summit. Türkiye continues to advocate for a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine while maintaining its role as a mediator. At the same time, Ankara is expected to argue that instability in the Eastern Mediterranean remains one of the major security challenges facing the Alliance.
According to Korkmaz, Türkiye considers Israel’s expansionist and aggressive policies to be the main source of instability in the Eastern Mediterranean. It will argue that without stability in this region, transatlantic security cannot be fully guaranteed.”
Experts also caution that NATO’s ongoing military transformation may create new geopolitical challenges for Türkiye. While deeper defense cooperation with the Alliance presents significant opportunities, it may also affect Ankara’s carefully balanced relations with neighboring countries, particularly Russia.
As Erenel warns, “Türkiye has pursued a policy of balance until now. However, with the establishment of new headquarters and the fact that the Black Sea is now clearly positioned against Russia, this could affect Türkiye-Russia relations. It shows that Türkiye’s orientation is shifting from a policy of balance toward the West and NATO. This should be taken into careful consideration.”
Ultimately, Ankara sees this summit as more than a discussion about NATO’s future. Turkish officials hope it will strengthen the country’s position within the Alliance, expand defense industry partnerships, improve relations with Europe, and reaffirm Türkiye’s role as one of NATO’s key strategic actors at a time of profound geopolitical change.