Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hopes for unity at the NATO summit in Ankara on 7–8 July. He stressed the importance of increased European responsibility for defense and continued support for Ukraine.
At a press conference on Friday ahead of the meeting, Kristersson said NATO summits do not always run smoothly. He pointed to three main issues: European countries taking greater responsibility for Europe's defense, expansion of the defense industry, and support for Ukraine.
Kristersson noted that NATO countries agreed a year ago to raise defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035 at the latest. He added that a detailed follow-up on countries' investments is expected.
Sweden's key message is that Europe's security right now spells Ukraine, Kristersson said. He did not comment specifically on statements from US President Donald Trump about lack of support in the Iran war.
