In the context of strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities, Turkey is seen as a key component of the continent’s future defense framework.
In an interview with Ukrinform, Sinan Ülgen, director of EDAM, a leading Turkish analytical center for economics and foreign policy research, explained this.
“Overall, Turkish foreign policy even before the war in Ukraine was aimed at strengthening Turkey’s strategic autonomy. This entailed establishing contacts with non-Western states, such as Russia and China, as well as diversifying Turkey’s relations with other regions of the world, especially Africa.”
– expert
Prospects for Turkey in the new European security architecture
He is convinced that after the start of the war in Ukraine and the breakdown of trust between the United States and Europe, a new window of opportunity has opened for Turkey.
“Because Turkey remains one of the most capable NATO partners in terms of military capabilities and deterrence potential. Now this capability has become for Turkey a strategic lever in its relations with other European countries. After all, if Europe continues to strengthen its defense capabilities, it will need Turkey as a component of the new European security architecture. This is a positive aspect”
– expert
There is also a downside to this situation.
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“If a new sidelining of the United States from European security occurs, this will also be bad for Turkey, since trust in the United States is extremely important for deterring Russia. Therefore, the United States, which is too favorable toward Russia, is not a favorable factor for Turkey”
– expert
In this context, experts emphasize the need for a cautious and mutually beneficial approach by Europe and Turkey to ensure regional stability and effective cooperation in the security sphere.