NATO is considering scrapping its annual summits – Reuters

The North Atlantic Alliance may reconsider its recent practice of holding annual meetings of member state leaders. According to sources, some countries are proposing a return to biennial summits due to the high intensity of preparations and political factors. 

This is reported by Reuters.

According to discussions, the 2027 summit in Ankara may be postponed to the fall, and the 2028 meeting is currently in question. One of the factors cited is the U.S. election cycle, though diplomats emphasize a broader need to focus on implementing decisions already made. A NATO spokesperson noted that the Alliance will continue regular consultations at the level of heads of state and government regardless of the schedule for major summits.

The final decision on changing the frequency of meetings rests with Secretary General Mark Rutte. Diplomatic circles note that the quality of preparation and the substance of decisions take precedence over the frequency of official events. Currently, the Alliance is continuing preparations for the upcoming summit in Ankara, where measures to strengthen collective security and counter threats from Russia will be discussed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine will be represented at the NATO summit, which will take place on July 7–8 in Ankara.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that NATO countries could use the July summit in Ankara to restore relations with U.S. President Donald Trump.