Albania says NATO summit will not be held next year

Albania says there will be no NATO summit next year, despite being named to host the alliance’s next leaders’ meeting. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the gap between summits would extend to 2028, when he expects the gathering to take place in Tirana.

Rama made the remarks in Dublin, where he was attending a meeting of the European Political Community. Asked about the next summit, he said there would be none next year and described a 2028 meeting in Albania as certain.

NATO’s 32 members have yet to agree on the timing. The article reports that many countries have recently favoured a longer interval, with NATO diplomats saying it could reduce the risk of clashes with US President Donald Trump. Albania’s hosting plans have also faced questions because its defence spending remains well below the level agreed by the alliance.

Albania was designated to host the next summit after this summer’s meeting in Ankara. Rama said that if members agree to hold it in 2028, it will be in Tirana.