NATO leaders are set to gather for a summit in Ankara on July 7-8 to discuss a host of challenges facing the alliance. One of the primary goals is to maintain unity and keep the U.S. committed to the alliance’s Article 5 clause, which specifies that an attack on one of its members is an attack on all.

Challenges Ahead

The alliance faced two crises this year which have fueled tension in the transatlantic relationship: U.S. President Donald Trump’s demands for ownership of Greenland and his anger at NATO allies over their response to the Iran war. The U.S. president branded the alliance a ‘paper tiger’ and said he was considering withdrawing from NATO.

Another challenge facing NATO is the need for European governments to take on primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe as Washington seeks to dedicate more resources to the Indo-Pacific. The Trump administration has pushed European governments to increase their defense spending, with a goal of spending 5% of GDP on defense and defense-related measures within a decade.

NATO leaders will also discuss how to turn increased defense spending into new military capabilities in a short timeframe. The alliance’s leadership has called on industry to work together, open new production lines, and deliver more quickly.

The summit will also focus on deterring Russia, with NATO leaders expected to reiterate that Russia poses a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security. The alliance will also discuss its continued support for Ukraine, with European NATO members continuing to finance aid for Kyiv.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.