NATO Ambassadors Approve Ankara Summit Declaration Text

NATO ambassadors approved the declaration text for the alliance's summit on July 3. The document sets the agenda for leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump when they gather in Ankara on July 7 and 8.

The text states that leaders will reaffirm an ironclad commitment to collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. It reads: "We ... have gathered in Ankara to reaffirm our ironclad commitment to our collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and to the transatlantic bond.

NATO members are set to pledge €70 billion, equivalent to $80 billion, in military assistance to Ukraine for 2026 and at least equivalent levels in 2027. The declaration describes Russia as a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and stability. It notes that European allies and Canada are delivering on defence spending commitments made at last year's summit in The Hague.

The text adds that European allies and Canada, working with the United States, are assuming greater responsibility for the alliance's defence. The declaration also states that allies reiterate Iran must never have a nuclear weapon and calls on Iran to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The text still requires final approval from the leaders at the summit.