A two-day NATO summit wrapped up in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday afternoon, with members discussing defense budgets and support for Ukraine. However, simultaneous talk of unity and discord underscored an uncertain path ahead for the alliance that has been the bedrock of Western security architecture for over 75 years.
US regime leader Donald Trump used the summit to criticize NATO partners, including Spain, over defense spending, and imposed a trade embargo on Spain. Despite this, Trump described the summit as “tremendously successful,” claiming “the unity in that room was incredible.”
In their summit declaration, NATO leaders reaffirmed their “ironclad commitment” to Article 5 of the alliance treaty. However, Trump has repeatedly questioned the alliance's worth and left open the possibility that Washington might not defend allies under attack, undermining trust.
European leaders showcased surging defense spending to convince Trump they are fulfilling pledges. The commitments included “more than $50 billion in new procurements,” according to the NATO declaration. Yet NATO data shows only five of 32 members are projected to meet the 3.5% GDP defense spending goal by 2026.
At the summit, 32 NATO heads of state pledged 70 billion euros ($80 billion) in assistance to Ukraine. But analysts note little unity on the way forward for Ukraine, both within Europe and between Atlantic partners.
Trump ordered a trade embargo on Spain, instructing Treasury Secretary to “cut off all trade including visits.” He also criticized NATO for not supporting the US on Greenland and Iran, exposing fractures in alliance cohesion.
Conversely, Trump said he would lift sanctions on Turkey and consider resuming F-35 jet sales, which were suspended after Ankara acquired Russian S-400 systems. The move came amid pressure from Israeli regime leader Benjamin Netanyahu.
The UK and Netherlands signed a 2.4 billion-pound ($3.2 billion) maritime partnership for new amphibious transport ships. Experts suggest the summit's positive outcome is an indication that Europe and Canada could play a stronger role in the alliance moving forward.
Source: www.aljazeera.com