NATO May Scale Back Annual Summits Amid Concerns Over Trump-Era Tensions

Last Updated:April 27, 2026, 22:54 IST

NATO may end annual leaders summits, considering biennial meetings and possibly skipping 2028 to ease tensions, amid concerns over Donald Trump and defence spending disputes.

NATO is considering ending its recent practice of holding annual leaders’ summits, according to multiple diplomatic sources, in a move aimed at reducing tensions and improving decision-making within the alliance.

The proposal comes as concerns grow over potentially difficult interactions with US President Donald Trump, whose administration has repeatedly criticised NATO members over defence spending and burden-sharing—most recently in the context of US military actions involving Iran.

While NATO leaders have met every year since 2021, with the next summit scheduled for July 7–8 in Ankara, several member states are now pushing to slow the pace of high-level meetings.

Diplomats said the 2027 summit in Albania may be held later in the year, while the alliance is also considering skipping a summit entirely in 2028—coinciding with the US presidential election and Trump’s final full year in office.

Some countries have proposed moving to a biennial summit format, though no final decision has been taken. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to play a key role in determining the outcome.

Push For ‘Less Drama, Better Decisions’

Officials say the discussion is not solely about Trump but reflects broader concerns that frequent summits create pressure for headline outcomes rather than long-term strategic planning.

“Better to have fewer summits than bad summits," one diplomat said, adding that the alliance should focus on substantive work rather than optics.

Analysts have echoed this view. Phyllis Berry noted that scaling back high-profile meetings could allow NATO to “dial down the drama" and concentrate on core security priorities.

Historically, NATO held far fewer summits during the Cold War, with just eight meetings over several decades.

Trump’s Shadow Over NATO

Trump’s relationship with NATO has been marked by repeated friction. During his first term, he criticised allies for low defence spending and even threatened to withdraw the US from the alliance.

At a recent summit in The Hague, discussions were dominated by his demand that members increase defence spending, ultimately resulting in a compromise target.

Tensions remain high ahead of this year’s gathering, especially after Trump questioned the US commitment to NATO’s mutual defence clause following disagreements over military support in the Iran conflict.

The alliance has sought to downplay the speculation. A NATO official said the organisation would “continue to hold regular meetings" and coordinate closely between summits.

Still, the debate highlights growing unease within NATO about how to maintain unity and effectiveness amid shifting geopolitical pressures and internal divisions.

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