Amid the intensification of the conflict in Ukraine, the worsening EU-US relations, and instability in the Middle East, what is the current condition of the NATO alliance?
This week, NATO officials gathered in Ankara for the long-awaited NATO summit. This meeting traditionally takes place during crucial moments in the development of the transatlantic alliance, which now faces challenges due to strained EU-US ties.
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US President Donald Trump also took part in the summit. He warned of potential additional military actions against Iran and stated that the US should take control over Greenland, casting uncertainty over NATO’s future.
To analyze this gathering and other significant news from the week, Euronews’ podcast Brussels, My Love? invited Donnacha Ó Beacháin, professor of politics at Dublin City University; Teresa Küchler, European correspondent for Svenska Dagbladet; and Stefan Grobe, Euronews’ senior correspondent.
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“Most attendees viewed this NATO summit primarily as an exercise in damage control,” Ó Beacháin began.
The professor and writer noted that Trump’s conduct in Ankara underscored his struggle to clearly separate NATO’s role as a defensive alliance from US foreign policy actions. “The US, in coordination with Israel, chose to attack Iran; since no US territory was targeted, Article 5 was not triggered,” Ó Beacháin explained.
Although Donald Trump criticized Europe, he relaxed his stance on Ukraine, allowing the country to receive the Patriot missile system, a key component of Kyiv’s air defense strategy.
“Recent unexpected military achievements by Ukrainian forces have shifted public opinion in the US against Russia once more, reinforcing support for Ukraine,” Grobe emphasized.
Ó Beacháin also pointed out that Vladimir Putin and Russia remain NATO’s most effective unifiers, strengthening the alliance, especially among Nordic nations.
The summit concluded on 8 July with leaders from all 32 member states endorsing a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to collective defense.
Marine Le Pen confirms candidacy for France’s presidential elections
Also discussed was French far-right party National Rally leader Marine Le Pen’s announcement this week that she will run in the 2027 presidential elections.
Given her conviction for fraud and the court’s decisions, Le Pen’s campaign may take an unusual form: “If she wins, it’s possible that the president will enter the Élysée Palace wearing an electronic ankle monitor,” Küchler noted.
Le Pen stated she intends to appeal again to France’s highest court and maintains her innocence.
The Belgian Red Devils’ provocative celebration
In the early hours of Tuesday (7 July), Belgium knocked the US out of the World Cup in a match dominated by the Red Devils. The contest was partly overshadowed by FIFA’s reversal of a red card awarded to US player Folarin Balogun, a change reportedly influenced by Donald Trump.
Following the match, the Belgian squad mimicked the viral Trump dance, a clip rapidly circulated on social media platforms.
“The world was united behind Belgium, yet once again, Donald Trump’s unique talent for alienating allies came to the forefront,” Ó Beacháin remarked.
For further insights, it is recommended to continue following Brussels, My Love? and listen to the comprehensive episode either above or on preferred podcast platforms.
Additional sources • David Brodheim, sound editor and mixer