NATO Summit: Rutte arrives to Ankara

06.07.2026 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, arrived in Ankara to attend the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit to be held on July 7-8 held a press conference. While expressing his gratitude to hotsing the Summit to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Rutte said “So far, everything has been perfect.”

Over the next two days, 32 #NATO Allies, along with partners from Ukraine, the EU, the Indo-Pacific and the Gulf will gather here in Ankara to ensure that NATO continues to deliver

Allies have already shown that they’re stepping up in a big way.

We are stronger together, in… pic.twitter.com/yEZlWVbuhh

— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) July 6, 2026

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made statements to the press at the Presidential Palace before the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit.

Rutte stated that Canada and Europe have increased their military spending by 4% in line with their commitments over the past year, adding that this is very important for both their own security and the collective security of the alliance.

“Last year, Europe and Canada increased their core defense spending by 20 percent compared to the previous year. An additional $258 billion in defense investments were made in 2025 and 2026, and this will continue. We will have more resources, more forces, and more bases. After years of underinvestment, we are now developing real capabilities. Our European allies and Canada have leveled the playing field with the U.S. in this regard. Now, Europe and Canada are also taking steps to take more leadership. We are moving beyond conventional defense” Rutte said.