NATO Defence Ministers are set to convene at the Alliance’s headquarters in Brussels on February 12, 2026, for their regular ministerial meeting, chaired by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The discussions are expected to focus on continued support for Ukraine, strengthening NATO’s eastern flank, and implementation of commitments to increase defence spending among allied nations.
According to NATO officials, the meeting will review progress made since the 2025 NATO Summit, where allied countries pledged to invest 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually in defence and security by 2035.
In an official statement, NATO confirmed that ministers will assess how member states are fulfilling their commitments to boost defence investments and strengthen industrial defence production, while also enhancing deterrence capabilities.
“On February 12, NATO Defence Ministers will meet in Brussels to evaluate progress since the Hague Summit, including how allies are meeting their commitments to increase defence investments and industrial production, strengthen deterrence and defence, and continue support for Ukraine,” NATO officials stated.
The ministers will also participate in a session of the NATO-Ukraine Council, which will include Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. NATO reiterated that Ukraine’s security remains closely linked to the overall security of the Alliance.
In addition, discussions will cover the implementation of NATO-led missions and operations worldwide, including KFOR, NATO’s longest-running and currently largest mission, stationed in Kosovo.
NATO emphasized that the Western Balkans remain a region of strategic importance, underscoring the Alliance’s continued commitment to stability and security in the region.
“The Western Balkans remain high on NATO’s agenda. It is a strategically important region for the Alliance. NATO continues to promote stability, security, and cooperation, and our commitment to regional stability is unwavering. We will not allow the creation of a security vacuum,” the statement added.
The meeting will also include preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit scheduled to take place in Ankara on July 7–8, 2026, where leaders are expected to further address security challenges and alliance cooperation.
