NATO is contemplating a shift away from its annual summit schedule, a move that could help avoid potential tensions during meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump in his final year in office. This information comes from multiple sources within the alliance, as reported by Reuters.
The frequency of NATO summits has varied throughout the alliance’s 77-year history, but leaders have convened every summer since 2021. This year, the summit is set to take place in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7 and 8.
Some member states are advocating for a slower pace of summits, according to a senior European official and five diplomats from NATO countries. One diplomat indicated that the 2027 summit, scheduled to be held in Albania, may occur this fall, while discussions are underway about potentially skipping the 2028 summit, coinciding with the U.S. presidential election and Trump’s final full calendar year in office.
Another source mentioned that certain nations are pushing for biennial summits, emphasizing that no final decision has been made yet. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is expected to have the final say on this matter.
Sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions. In response to inquiries from Reuters, a NATO official stated, “NATO will continue to hold regular meetings of heads of state and government, and between summits, NATO allies will continue to consult, plan, and make decisions regarding our collective security.”
While two sources pointed to Trump as a significant factor in these discussions, others noted that broader considerations are also being taken into account. The Trump administration has previously criticized many of the 31 other member nations, particularly regarding their levels of support for U.S. military operations against Iran.
NATO is exploring the possibility of reducing the frequency of its summits, which could impact future meetings with U.S. President Trump. Discussions among member states reflect a desire for a more measured approach, with some suggesting biennial gatherings instead of annual ones.
Source: Reuters