NATO considers ending annual summits – media

NATO is discussing a move away from annual summits toward less frequent meetings of the Alliance’s leaders, which could change the current operational schedule, Reuters reported citing six sources.

According to one senior European official and five NATO member state diplomats, internal discussions include an option to hold summits once every two years. Some states also suggest the 2028 summit might not take place, although no final decision has been made.

"Some diplomats and analysts have long argued that annual summits create pressure for eye-catching results that distracts from longer-term planning," the report said.

The discussions are broader in nature and not limited to specific political circumstances, the report said. One source told the agency: "It is better to have fewer summits than bad summits."

A NATO official emphasized the Alliance will continue to hold regular meetings of heads of state and government, and allies will continue consultations and decision-making on collective security between summits.

The decision on possible changes to the format and frequency of summits remains subject to further discussion among NATO member states.