Plans for a NATO summit in Albania next year are in doubt, according to multiple officials speaking to Reuters and coverage from European outlets. The uncertainty is linked to resistance within the Trump administration, as Washington is described as reluctant to endorse the timing and location. At the same time, some NATO members express dissatisfaction with Albania’s defense spending record, saying the host country has not demonstrated credible progress toward the alliance’s newly discussed defense-spending target of 5% of GDP.
The issue arises as NATO leaders prepare for a separate summit in Turkey next week. European officials and diplomats indicate that participation by European allies is aimed partly at showing Washington that they have moved forward on defense spending commitments. In this context, the proposed Albania summit appears harder to sustain if Albania cannot satisfy expectations on defense spending performance. Euronews characterizes the concerns as including U.S. criticism of “free riders,” reflecting broader pressure on allies to meet agreed spending levels. The reporting indicates no final decision has been announced on whether the Albania summit will proceed as planned.
