NATO Foreign Ministers concluded a meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, on Friday (22 May 2026). Their discussions helped lay the groundwork for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara this July.
A stronger and fairer NATO, increased defence spending, stronger defence industrial production, and continued support to Ukraine were among the key topics discussed in Helsingborg, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said following the meeting.
"Today, Ministers discussed how their countries are charting a credible path to the 5%. This means steady and sustained increases in defence investment," he said, stressing that investment is essential to ensure Allies remain capable and prepared, "so that we can further strengthen our armed forces, and ensure they have the equipment they need to deter any adversary and defend every Ally."
Foreign Ministers agreed on the importance of increasing defence industrial production across the Alliance. "We do this best when we work together," Mr Rutte said. He also welcomed that European Allies and Canada are taking greater responsibility for conventional defence and highlighted the strength of the transatlantic bond.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia joined Foreign Ministers on Thursday (21 May) for discussions on NATO's support for Ukraine. As Russia continues to wage its war of aggression, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, the Secretary General said that Allies are, "working to ensure that our support for Ukraine remains substantial, remains predictable, remains sustainable, and based on Ukraine's critical requirements."
NATO Foreign Ministers also discussed wider developments affecting Allied security, including the situation in the Middle East. By closing the Strait of Hormuz, Iran threatens freedom of navigation and global commerce and "attempts to hold the global economy hostage," Mr Rutte said. "This is another clear reminder of how security challenges are increasingly interconnected - and that Allies and partners have a strong interest in working closely and proactively together," he added.
The Secretary General met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Their discussions focused on defence spending, defence industrial production, and the development of a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO.
Following the conclusion of the meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers, the Secretary General explained that the task ahead is clear, Allies must turn commitments into concrete results: "increased investment, industrial production, and continued support to Ukraine. All of this contributes to a stronger NATO and greater security for us all."
