German Chancellor Friedrich Merz touts stronger NATO and European role after Ankara summit

At the NATO summit in Ankara, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the alliance is moving toward a more European focus and called for greater European defence spending. He highlighted that “the NATO spirit is becoming more European, while remaining trans‑Atlantic,” and announced that NATO members and Canada will commit €70 billion in aid to Ukraine this year and a similar amount next year. Merz praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s closing remark, quoting “There is a feeling of love in the air.” He also announced Germany’s purchase of Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States and stressed that the deal fills a strategic gap in Germany’s defence. Emphasising Turkey’s importance, Merz called Ankara a “strategic partner” and thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his hospitality. Referring to the Russia‑Ukraine war, he said “Russia has no chance to achieve its war goals” and urged an early end to the conflict. The summit also featured a diplomatic gift of a revolver with ammunition presented to Merz by Erdogan.