Alliance leaders are gathering in Ankara on Tuesday and Wednesday for a summit addressing military spending, the situation in Ukraine, and the security of the Alliance's southern flank. Italy, reported to be presenting with defense spending at 2.8% of GDP, has committed to maintaining a growth trajectory in its military expenditures. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will confirm this position at the summit.

The summit is seen as a moment to assess Alliance cohesion. According to reports, the United States is pressing allies for greater commitment on military spending. The outlet Repubblica reports that the U.S. administration is seeking a concise final communique and has raised requests regarding Greenland, while Il Giornale notes a phone call between Trump and Putin that, according to the outlet, could reopen the negotiation dossier on Ukraine.

The room for further increases in Italian military spending appears limited, according to Sole 24 Ore's analysis, which highlights budgetary constraints tied to additional increases.