Erdogan: Turkey should be involved in European defense plans

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on European countries to include Turkey in their defense and security initiatives, emphasizing the country's significant role in ensuring European security. This statement was made during a speech to representatives of all 32 NATO member parliaments in Istanbul, just days before the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for July 7–8 in Ankara. The timing of this appeal comes amid heightened concerns over Europe’s military preparedness following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and fears about potential U.S. withdrawal from the alliance.

Erdogan highlighted that Turkey's contributions to European security are often overlooked despite its strategic importance. He expressed Turkey’s desire to participate fully in all European defense-related initiatives, including the EU’s “Security for Europe” (SAFE) initiative, which aims to support joint defense procurement and boost the continent’s defense industry with a budget of 150 billion euros. While Turkey meets the technical criteria for joining SAFE, the initiative requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. Greece has already signaled opposition to Turkey’s inclusion, citing unresolved disputes between the two nations.

During his address, Erdogan also urged NATO to remove barriers hindering trade in defense products among alliance members. He argued that overcoming these obstacles would help address current challenges while ensuring a balanced distribution of responsibilities among allies. His remarks reflect broader concerns within Turkey regarding its integration into European defense structures and the perceived marginalization of its role in regional security matters.

The call for greater involvement in European defense planning aligns with previous statements by Erdogan, who in May emphasized that the future architecture of Europe would remain incomplete without Turkey’s participation. These sentiments have been echoed by some analysts who view Turkey as a crucial player in both regional stability and global power dynamics, particularly given its geopolitical position bridging Europe and Asia.

In recent years, relations between the EU and Turkey have fluctuated due to a range of issues, including migration policies, energy cooperation, and territorial disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, there have been efforts to strengthen ties, especially in light of ongoing conflicts in the region. In February 2026, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos visited Turkey to deepen bilateral relations, acknowledging the country’s significance as a partner in addressing the war in Ukraine and other regional challenges.

The push for Turkey’s inclusion in European defense mechanisms has gained urgency against the backdrop of shifting international alliances and the evolving nature of transatlantic partnerships. With the United States under former President Donald Trump expressing skepticism toward traditional alliances and questioning the value of NATO commitments, European countries have sought to bolster their own defense capabilities independently. This has created new opportunities for collaboration but also intensified competition among European powers seeking to enhance their strategic autonomy.

Turkey’s aspirations for closer integration with European defense frameworks are part of a larger strategy aimed at reinforcing its geopolitical standing. By advocating for a more inclusive approach to European security, Ankara seeks to ensure that its contributions are recognized and that its interests are adequately represented in decision-making processes. This includes not only access to funding and resources but also a voice in shaping collective security policies that affect the entire region.

As discussions around the future of NATO and European defense cooperation continue, the question of Turkey’s role remains central. While some European countries see value in strengthening ties with Ankara, others remain cautious, particularly due to historical tensions and divergent strategic priorities. The outcome of these deliberations will likely shape the trajectory of European-Turkish relations in the coming years, influencing not only defense cooperation but also broader diplomatic and economic interactions.