NATO to skip a leaders’ summit in Albania next year as high-level meetings are scaled back
BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO is scaling back its high-level meetings and will not hold a leaders’ summit in Albania next year as previously planned amid tension within the alliance over defense spending, Iran and the war in Ukraine.
NATO is reducing its high-level meetings and will not host a leaders' summit in Albania next year, according to the alliance. The decision comes amid tension over defense spending, Iran, and the war in Ukraine. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama indicated there is no consensus on the timing of the summit, with a possible 2028 date in Tirana if it occurs at all.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the alliance's flexibility, stating they hold summits when necessary. Meanwhile, NATO defense ministers have stopped meeting in October, and foreign ministers will meet only once this year, part of a "reorganization package." The planned Albania summit, originally scheduled for 2025, is being reconsidered due to Albania's defense spending, which is projected to be 2.15% of its GDP, below NATO's target of 3.5% by 2035.
The summit carries significant costs, with the Netherlands spending $100 million and Albania requiring a year of preparation. Some experts argue that a summit may not be necessary, given recent developments and available alternatives, such as virtual meetings.
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