Macron says Ankara summit to reinforce Nato’s European pillar

French President Emmanuel Macron declared that the 36th Nato summit, set to take place in Ankara, will serve as a pivotal moment for strengthening the European pillar of the military alliance. Speaking at a joint press conference in Berlin, he addressed the collective stance of European leaders on pressing geopolitical issues, including Ukraine and Iran.

Macron’s comments followed a high-level meeting in the German capital involving the ‘E5’ group—comprising the leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Poland—alongside Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte. The French leader noted that the discussions underscored a period of renewed transatlantic unity between Europeans and Americans.

Support for Iran deal and regional security

Expressing France’s backing for the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran, Macron reiterated Paris’s readiness to contribute to stability in the Middle East. He specifically mentioned potential French participation in a temporary maritime security mission in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as support for efforts toward lasting peace in Lebanon.

Ankara’s strategic role

Highlighting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s comprehensive overview of the forthcoming Nato summit, Macron emphasized the significance of hosting the event in Türkiye. He stressed that the Ankara summit would decisively consolidate the alliance's European wing, reinforcing coordination on both collective defence and crisis management across the continent.

As Nato looks to address evolving security challenges, the Turkish capital is set to become a key diplomatic hub, underlining Türkiye’s strategic position within the alliance and its role in bridging European and regional security interests.