Leaders from Europe and North America will gather in Vilnius, Lithuania this week for a crucial NATO summit. The summit will address several pressing issues, including the war in Ukraine and the future of the alliance.

Ukraine’s Path to NATO Membership

Ukraine’s desire to join NATO has been a central topic of discussion. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Biden both acknowledge that Ukraine is not yet ready for membership. The ongoing conflict with Russia and the need for further democratization are significant factors delaying Ukraine’s inclusion.

Sweden’s NATO Bid

Turkey had been blocking Sweden’s bid for NATO membership due to concerns about Kurdish militants. However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Monday that he will withdraw his objection, potentially clearing the path for Sweden to join NATO.

Defense Spending and Investment

NATO members had committed to increasing their defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2024. While some countries, including the United States, Poland, and the Baltic states, have met this target, others have fallen short. At the summit, allies are expected to set a more ambitious defense investment pledge.

China’s Role and NATO

China’s actions and its potential impact on global security are also part of the discussion. NATO leaders have expressed concerns about the possibility of a Ukraine-like scenario in Taiwan. While NATO does not view China as an adversary, it emphasizes the importance of collaboration to address shared challenges.

The NATO summit aims to strengthen deterrence and defense, support Ukraine, and reinforce the rules-based international order. It also seeks to address the complex dynamics between NATO, Russia, China, and individual member states.

Overall, this summit will shape the future direction of NATO and its response to evolving security challenges.