Ankara Summit, NATO Agreements Worth Billions/ Leaders Seek to Ease Tensions with Trump
NATO leaders gather next week in Ankara, where Europeans aim to put aside disagreements with US President Donald Trump over Iran and Greenland.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says the meeting next Tuesday and Wednesday will show that Europeans are keeping promises to increase defense spending to deter Russia from any attack, with arms deals worth tens of billions of dollars set to be signed.
The leaders are also expected to pledge to continue funding weapons for Ukraine's fight against Russian occupation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will attend a dinner hosted by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who will also hold bilateral talks with Trump.
European officials say they hope Trump's strong relationships with Erdogan and Rutte will ensure a smooth summit, but they cannot be sure, given transatlantic bitterness over the Iran war and the US president's frequent criticism of NATO.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump complained that the United States was spending money to protect NATO members "without getting any benefit from it."
Rutte and other NATO leaders have insisted that the alliance contributes to the United States' own security and that Europeans are heeding Trump's previous calls to spend more on their defense.
In The Hague last year, NATO leaders agreed to spend 3.5% of GDP on basic defense items, such as weapons and troops, by 2035 — up from a previous target of 2%. They also agreed to invest 1.5% of GDP in broader defense-related investments, such as boosting cybersecurity.
Lagarde does not rule out early departure ECB President may run for French presidency
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said there was a possibility she could step down before her term ends in 2027, in order to remain present......
German budget draft, over 203 billion euros in borrowing/ Defense spending increases to 109.8 billion euros in 2027
Germany plans to increase borrowing by 2027 to more than 203 billion euros, according to a draft budget, a larger increase than previously signaled. Berlin......
Ireland's EU Presidency: Economy and Ukraine in focus/ Very difficult negotiations expected for the trillion-euro European budget
For the eighth time since its accession in 1973, Ireland took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1. Prime Minister......
Do Albanians insure their homes? AFSA: Premiums and claims payments are increasing, however voluntary insurance remains low
In Albania, insurance continues to remain more of an obligation than a conscious choice, although figures show a slight increase in property insurance......
Shqipëria, ofertë turistike elitare? Civici: Duhet qëndrueshmëri, sektori i lidhur me rreth 40 profesione
Shqipëria renditet një nga vendet që varet më shumë nga turizmi për ecurinë e ekonomisë. Edhe pse në një fazë tranzicioni të shpejtë, duke kaluar nga turizmi......
University admission criteria change/ For teaching programs, average grade from 7-7.5
The grade point average criterion for university admission will undergo changes, mainly for study programs related to teaching. The Council of Ministers has......
Employment January-May, women dominate/ AKPA: Over 8700 people have been employed in 5 months
8748 job seekers were employed during the period January-May 2026, through the mediation of the National Employment and Skills Agency. According to......
Albania-Kosovo, cooperation agreement for employment and human capital development
The Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, and the Minister of Labor, Family and Liberation War Values of the Republic of Kosovo, Andin......
