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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Tuesday that NATO's summit in Ankara is expected to send a message of "strength and unity" as the alliance meets during a period of global tensions and conflicts.
Speaking to reporters at Berlin's airport before departing for Türkiye's capital, Merz said Europe needs a strong and united NATO in turbulent times.
"The NATO summit in Ankara is taking place in turbulent times, and in these times we need a strong and united NATO as a guarantor of our freedom and security," Merz said.
Merz said European allies are ready to assume greater responsibility within NATO by increasing defense spending and improving military capabilities.
He said these efforts would strengthen the European pillar of the alliance.
The chancellor said the goal is to achieve both stronger transatlantic cooperation and a significantly stronger European defense capability.
Merz said he had held intensive discussions in recent weeks with U.S. President Donald Trump, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, other European leaders and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to help ensure the summit produces positive results.
"I hope that, together, we can succeed in fostering a 'Spirit of Ankara' at this summit," Merz said.
"We are building a more European NATO so that NATO can remain transatlantic. That should be the message coming out of this summit," he added.
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