Experts say the time of peace is over, NATO is entering a new era.

The NATO summit in Ankara has marked a significant shift in the alliance's strategic direction, signaling the end of an era characterized by reliance on American military dominance and the beginning of a new phase focused on European self-reliance and collective defense capabilities. Experts gathered during the summit emphasized that the time for complacency in security matters has passed, and Europe must now take greater responsibility for its own defense. This conclusion was drawn from discussions among analysts, journalists, and academics who participated in a special broadcast by Croatian Radiotelevision, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The summit comes amid growing concerns about global instability, including rising tensions with Russia, cyber threats, and hybrid warfare tactics. Analysts noted that while the United States remains a crucial ally, European nations have increasingly recognized the need to reduce their dependence on U.S. military support. The summit aimed to address these challenges by reinforcing commitments to defense spending and fostering stronger European military industries. Discussions also centered around the importance of maintaining unity within the alliance despite differing political ideologies and economic constraints. European NATO members have been under pressure to meet their agreed-upon defense spending targets, which require them to allocate at least 2 percent of their GDP to national defense. However, several countries have struggled to meet these goals due to internal political resistance and budgetary limitations. Experts warned that failure to fulfill these commitments could lead to consequences such as reduced access to shared funds and collaborative defense projects. Additionally, there were calls for stricter enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with the financial obligations set forth by the alliance. A major point of discussion was the state of European military industry. While European nations have made progress in recent years, they still lag behind the United States in terms of production capacity and technological advancement. Analysts pointed out that although funding for defense has increased significantly, the ability to manufacture advanced military equipment remains a challenge. For example, the cost of modernizing tanks like the Leopard has risen sharply, and joint European projects to develop next-generation fighter jets and armored vehicles face delays and technical hurdles. These issues underscore the need for greater investment in research and development to bridge the gap between European and American military capabilities. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remained a central topic throughout the summit. Participants highlighted how Ukraine has rapidly evolved into one of Europe’s most capable militaries, thanks in part to Western support, particularly from the United States. The provision of advanced technology and weaponry has enabled Ukrainian forces to counter Russian aggression more effectively. However, the nature of this support is shifting, with a focus on long-term sustainability rather than immediate large-scale aid. This transition reflects broader strategic considerations within NATO regarding the balance between direct military assistance and fostering regional resilience. Looking ahead, NATO leaders are expected to outline concrete steps to enhance European defense capabilities. This includes accelerating the production of military hardware, strengthening partnerships with private sector manufacturers, and investing in cybersecurity infrastructure to protect against emerging threats. There is also a growing emphasis on developing rapid response mechanisms to ensure member states can act decisively in times of crisis without waiting for extended decision-making processes. As the alliance moves forward, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained political will and coordinated efforts among all NATO members.