NATO is conducting a major military exercise, Neptune Strike 26-3, from July 17 to 23, 2026, involving maritime, air, land, and multinational forces to strengthen collective defense and interoperability. This iteration marks the first expansion into the High North and North Atlantic, involving ships, submarines, and aircraft from 13 Allied nations, including the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States.

The exercise, led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, aims to demonstrate the Alliance's ability to integrate forces across domains and headquarters. It is part of a series of enhanced Vigilance Activities intended to sustain an Allied presence across multiple regions and strengthen NATO's deterrence and defense posture.

Meanwhile, NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone expressed confidence in NATO's ability to respond to Russian threats. In an exclusive interview with the Kyiv Independent on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7, Cavo Dragone stated, "We're ready to make any Russian move cost far more than it's worth." He also emphasized the importance of a ceasefire and peace talks in Ukraine, noting that NATO is looking for a long-lasting peace for Ukraine.

Europe is also making significant strides in defense. The European Union has approved budgets and is expanding production to strengthen its defense industry. In 2025, Europe collectively spent 2.1% of GDP on defense, above NATO's benchmark. Frontline allies like Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are moving toward spending 5% of GDP on defense. Eighteen member states have already taken the next step under the EU's new $200 billion defense financing program, with the first $6 billion-plus being deployed to help countries procure faster and strengthen defense production.

New factories are opening, and existing production lines are expanding, with private investment flowing into next-generation drones, armored vehicles, artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare. For example, Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall announced plans to produce ATACMS missiles in a newly opened production plant in Germany, the first time the system will be manufactured outside the United States.

The NATO summit in Ankara, held on July 7-8, was considered a success by Latvian Ambassador Riekstins. The summit did not make sensational headlines but was seen as a positive step for Latvia. Additionally, the summit highlighted Turkey's role in NATO, with Turkish citizens expressing pride in their country's ability to host such a significant event.

In a separate development, a Eurobarometer survey published on Monday revealed that Europeans are calling for greater democratic participation, stronger defense capabilities, and a transition to clean energy. Most Europeans want the EU to protect children more effectively from online threats, such as cyberbullying and harassment.

The survey also showed that Europeans consider freedom of speech and expression, free and fair elections, and respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights to be very important. These findings were presented to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen by an expert group convened to enhance children's online safety.

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