EuroQuestions | NATO Summit 2026: Can Europeans Assert Their Power? with Nicole Gnesotto
Speakers
EuroQuestions : Season 2026, Episode 13
* This EuroQuestions will be held in French
Date / Location :
Online, upon registration
10th July 2026, de 14:00 à 14:30 (CET)
Title :
NATO Summit 2026: Can Europeans Assert Their Power?
Context :
While Emmanuel Macron described NATO as experiencing “brain death” in November 2019, the war in Ukraine, the gradual retrenchment of the United States, and growing global instability have fundamentally reshaped the strategic landscape, compelling Europeans to take greater responsibility for their own defence—both within NATO and through a stronger role for the European Union. This shift is reflected in initiatives such as the ReArm Europe plan, the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), and the SAFE loan instrument, which can provide up to €150 billion in financing.
Donald Trump’s return to the White House has added a further layer of uncertainty. During his first term, he had already shaken the Alliance by questioning the United States’ commitment to NATO. His return has been accompanied by ambiguous statements regarding Article 5 and renewed demands that European allies increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP. For Europeans, the challenge is now to turn this pressure into an opportunity to build a genuinely integrated European defence industry.
This edition of EuroQuestions will look back at the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara on 7–8 July 2026 and examine the lessons Europeans can draw from it. In particular, it will explore how the United States is positioning itself amid the current wartime environment, whether European unity can withstand internal divisions, how EU–NATO relations are evolving, and whether Europeans are capable of developing a truly integrated European defence market.
Questions to answer:
- What were the key issues at this NATO Summit in Ankara? Between the war in Ukraine and the crises in the Middle East, how did the Alliance balance its priorities?
- What lessons can Europeans draw from this summit? Did the Alliance demonstrate unity, or did divisions emerge?
- What is at stake in EU–NATO relations? How does the European defence agenda align with the Alliance’s priorities and requirements?
Speakers’ Biography :
Nicole Gnesotto is Vice-President of the Jacques Delors Institute and a specialist in European affairs, international security, and defence. She previously served as Director of the European Union Institute for Security Studies (2001–2007), following several positions within the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the European institutions. She is currently Professor Emerita at the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers.
What are EuroQuestions ?
EuroQuestions are sessions held twice a month in the form of 30-minute online exchanges, bringing together a moderator (Ms. Christine Verger or Mr. William Malaterre) and a guest speaker to discuss European issues. These sessions take place on Wednesdays, from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM. The speaker is generally given a presentation time of approximately 15/20 minutes, followed by a 10/15-minute exchange with the moderator.