Overview
- President Donald Trump publicly criticised NATO’s European members at the Ankara summit, saying the Alliance had “disappointed” him over Iran, naming Italy and praising Giorgia Meloni personally while faulting her for not helping on Iran and repeating an unusual claim about Greenland.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni adopted a deliberate policy of non-engagement with Trump’s provocations, sat at the same leaders’ table in Ankara, reiterated that Italy will not allow US strikes from bases such as Sigonella, and confirmed continued military and energy resilience aid to Ukraine.
- At the NATO Defence Industry Forum allied governments and firms announced large deals and pledges, with reporting of roughly €50 billion in contracts and about $40 billion over five years for counter‑drone capabilities, and plans to expand European defence production and drone operator training.
- NATO leaders, led publicly by Secretary General Mark Rutte, sought to contain the rift by saying US posture reviews would be consultative, stressing Alliance cohesion, and urging a rapid build‑up of European defence industry and spending to reduce dependence on US capabilities.
- Expect two tangible outcomes to watch: possible US posture shifts that could change troop deployments in Europe, and accelerated European procurement and industrial cooperation that will drive defence investment, jobs, and pressure on national budgets and domestic politics in countries like Italy.