European Leaders Commit to Stronger NATO Role and Increased Defense Cooperation Ahead of July Summit

Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom met in Berlin to discuss strengthening Europe's role within NATO and increasing defense industrial cooperation. These discussions are in preparation for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara on July 7-8, 2026, where they aim to demonstrate increased European responsibility for transatlantic security and support for Ukraine. Separately, NATO is also assisting North Macedonia and Ukraine in enhancing their resilience to large-scale emergencies.