Brussels, Belgium. Nato is considering ending its recent practice of holding annual summits, six sources told Reuters, as members debate whether to slow the pace of leader-level meetings.
Recent summit pattern and 2026 meeting
The frequency of Nato summits has varied over the alliance’s 77-year history, but its leaders have met every summer since 2021. Leaders are set to gather this year in the Turkish capital Ankara on July 7 and 8.
Member discussions on slowing the tempo
A senior European official and five diplomats from Nato member countries told Reuters that some members are pushing to reduce the frequency of summits. One diplomat said the 2027 summit, to be held in Albania, would likely take place in the autumn and that Nato was considering not holding a summit at all in 2028.
Another diplomat said some countries were pushing to hold summits every two years, adding that no decision had been taken and that Secretary General Mark Rutte would have the final say.
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal Nato deliberations.
Trump factor and broader considerations
Two sources mentioned U.S. President Donald Trump as a factor, but several said broader considerations were also involved. Trump’s administration has repeatedly criticised many of the alliance’s 31 other members, most recently berating some for not providing more assistance to U.S. military operations against Iran.
Some diplomats and analysts have argued that annual summits create pressure for eye-catching results that can distract from longer-term planning.
Nato response
In response to a query from Reuters, a Nato official said: “Nato will continue to hold regular meetings of Heads of State and Government, and between summits Nato Allies will continue to consult, plan and take decisions about our shared security.”
What changes, if any, do you think Nato should make to how often it holds summits?
