German government officials briefed the press on the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government, to be held in Ankara.
Officials stated that European allies have increased their defense spending by more than 100 billion euros over the past 12 months. They noted that Germany alone raised its defense spending by approximately 25 billion euros to 124 billion euros, emphasizing that the country has doubled its spending compared to 2022.
The official said Germany plans to raise its defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2029, noting that this target would be achieved ahead of the timeline agreed at the summit in The Hague.
Merz's diplomatic engagements
Officials recalled that Chancellor Friedrich Merz has spoken in recent weeks with the leaders of the E5 countries, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and U.S. President Donald Trump. They said Merz hopes for an 'Ankara spirit' at the summit and is working to that end.
The official said the summit must send a strong signal that Europeans are assuming greater responsibility for their own security, financially and through defense industry cooperation. "We Europeans are taking on greater responsibility," the official said, noting that European defense ministers are working on a joint declaration.
Ukraine and Iran on the agenda
Officials stated that the issue of Ukraine will feature prominently at the summit. They said support for Ukraine will be addressed, and that politically, the goal is to further enhance transatlantic cohesion in Ankara.
The official noted that the Iran issue will also be discussed, and recalled that Chancellor Merz and the allies welcome the agreement reached between the U.S. and Iran.
