Brussels: NATO is considering a major change to how often its top leaders meet, with discussions underway to move away from annual summits and return to a less frequent schedule. The debate comes at a time when the alliance is facing internal tensions, shifting global security priorities, and growing uncertainty over political leadership in key member countries.
Since 2021, NATO has held summits every year, a departure from its earlier practice of convening leaders only when major strategic decisions were required. The annual format was introduced during a period marked by rising global instability, including the war in Ukraine and increased security concerns in Europe. These meetings were intended to show unity and allow faster decision making.
However, diplomats now say the yearly gatherings have at times struggled to deliver substantial outcomes. Some officials believe that holding summits too frequently risks turning them into routine political events rather than moments for serious decision making. There is also concern that the pressure to produce agreements at every meeting can expose divisions among member states instead of strengthening unity.
A key factor influencing the current discussion is the strained relationship between several European allies and United States President Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly criticised Nato members for not meeting defence spending targets and has called for a greater financial contribution from European countries. His remarks questioning the value of the alliance and earlier suggestions about a possible US withdrawal have caused unease within Nato.
Diplomats say that high level summits, which attract global attention, can become politically sensitive platforms where disagreements are openly visible. Reducing their frequency could help avoid such public tensions and allow more quiet diplomacy behind the scenes. Some officials also believe it would give member countries more time to prepare meaningful agreements rather than rushing negotiations to meet annual deadlines.
Another issue under consideration is the political calendar in the United States. Nato officials are informally discussing the possibility of skipping a summit in 2028, which will coincide with the next US presidential election. Leaders are cautious about holding a major international meeting during a potentially volatile political period that could influence the tone and outcomes of discussions.
Despite these deliberations, NATO is not stepping back from its current commitments. A summit in Ankara is expected to take place in 2026, followed by another meeting in Albania in 2027. These gatherings are likely to proceed as planned, with the proposed changes focusing more on the longer term schedule rather than immediate cancellations.
The role of Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte will be important in guiding this transition. He is expected to consult member states and build consensus before any formal decision is made on altering the summit format.
The ongoing discussion highlights a broader transformation within the alliance. As global security challenges evolve, NATO is trying to balance the need for unity with the reality of differing national interests. European members are also exploring ways to take on greater responsibility in defence, while still maintaining strong ties with the United States.
Officials stress that the proposal to reduce the number of summits does not signal a weakening of NATO. Instead, it reflects an effort to make the alliance more effective by ensuring that meetings are purposeful, well prepared, and focused on concrete outcomes. The aim is to preserve unity while adapting to a more complex and politically sensitive global environment.