Istanbul, Turkey – NATO's annual Nuclear Policy Symposium concluded today, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Istanbul. The event brought together approximately 150 experts from across the Alliance to engage in discussions on nuclear policy and the evolving landscape of nuclear deterrence. The symposium serves as a critical forum for exchanging views and strategizing ahead of the upcoming Ankara Summit.
In a virtual address, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed his gratitude to Türkiye for hosting the symposium. He lauded Türkiye's significant contributions to Allied security, highlighting its defense investments across all domains and the continuous innovation within its defense industry. Rutte emphasized the growing importance of nuclear deterrence amidst global instability, stating, “In times of great instability, as the importance of nuclear deterrence grows, we must ensure NATO's nuclear deterrence remains credible, safe, secure and effective.”
The discussions at the symposium are expected to inform crucial decisions at the forthcoming Ankara Summit, particularly concerning how NATO's nuclear posture will adapt to the increasingly challenging security environment. The participants explored strategies to maintain the alliance's readiness and ensure the effectiveness of its nuclear capabilities in safeguarding collective security.