Minister Grlić Radman attends NATO Summit: Transatlantic unity, modernised Alliance, enhanced capabilities

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman participated in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit, held in Ankara on Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 and 8 July 2026. The Summit brought together Heads of State and Government and ministers from the Alliance's 32 member countries. Allies reaffirmed their unity, commitment to NATO's collective defence and the transatlantic bond, as well as to NATO's 360-degree approach to deterrence and defence.

European Allies and Canada are delivering on the pledge made at last year's Summit to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. In order to build a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO, Europe and Canada are assuming greater responsibility for the defence of the Alliance.

These Allies are also now providing the majority of security assistance to Ukraine. At the Summit, Allies agreed to provide EUR 70 billion in military assistance, equipment and training for Ukraine in 2026, while maintaining at least the same level of support in 2027.

During his stay in Ankara, Minister Grlić Radman took part in NATO's first informal dialogue with partners from the Gulf region - Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates - held within the framework of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. As a Mediterranean country with a long maritime tradition and a large number of seafarers, Croatia is concerned by violations of international law, most visibly reflected in disruptions to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the minister stressed, adding that freedom of navigation remains one of Croatia's highest priorities.

The foreign ministers also met in the NATO-Ukraine Council format with their Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha. Allies discussed the next steps in providing long-term support to Ukraine, which has a direct impact on European security. Croatia stands firmly with Ukraine and will continue to support it in its fight for freedom. Russia continues its devastating attacks, and one of the most pressing needs is to strengthen Ukraine's air defence. NATO's Priority Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) is a key mechanism in this regard, and Croatia will continue to contribute financially to this initiative.

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