In a bid to reinforce European security amid growing uncertainty over U.S. commitments, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged the European Union to deepen its engagement with Turkey. His call for closer collaboration comes as European capitals scramble to reassess alliances in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s retreat from European defense commitments.
According to officials briefed on Rutte’s remarks, he has privately encouraged EU leaders to increase dialogue with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after years of strained relations. This appeal aligns with broader EU efforts to enhance defense cooperation with Turkey and other non-EU neighbors, part of a broader strategy to bolster Europe’s military capabilities.
The urgency for reassessing European defense partnerships stems from Trump’s threats to withdraw U.S. security guarantees to NATO allies and his shifting stance on Russia, including potential cuts to Ukraine support. In response, several EU capitals are advocating for enhanced defense cooperation with like-minded non-EU countries such as Norway and the United Kingdom, alongside potential collaboration with Turkey.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan participated in a meeting of Europe’s key military powers in London earlier this month to discuss support for Ukraine and other security concerns. This meeting followed Rutte’s private discussions with EU leaders in February, where he emphasized the need to engage with Ankara to make such cooperation effective.
A spokesperson for Rutte declined to comment on the matter. However, the NATO chief previously told the European Parliament in January that involving non-EU allies in EU defense initiatives was critical for Europe’s security.
A senior EU official underscored the importance of flexibility in European alliances, stating, “At a certain point in time, you need to decide who you would like on your team, regardless of any issues you might have. But Turkey also needs to sort out its ambiguity over Russia.”
Turkey’s stance on Russia remains a contentious issue. Unlike the EU and other Western allies, Ankara has not imposed direct sanctions on Moscow following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and has maintained strong economic and energy ties with Russia. Greece, in particular, has pointed to Turkey’s lack of participation in sanctions as a complicating factor.
Despite the EU’s limited direct involvement in defense matters, the bloc wields significant financial tools to influence defense industry partnerships. Turkey’s growing defense sector remains a key point of contention among EU states, some of which oppose allowing third-country firms to benefit from EU defense initiatives.
While Turkey remains an official EU accession candidate, the process has stalled for years, with political tensions—especially over disputes with Greece—hindering progress. Greece remains cautious but open to discussions on increased defense cooperation, with a Greek diplomat stating that Ankara “has to be constructive in dealing with outstanding issues with member states.” Cyprus, which has remained divided since Turkey’s 1974 incursion, remains a major sticking point in advancing EU-Turkey ties.
The shifting U.S. position under Trump has forced European nations to reconsider security frameworks, and NATO’s push for deeper engagement with Turkey reflects this changing geopolitical reality. Turkey, for its part, is keeping its options open, with Fidan stating, “If it results in a new European security structure, we are prepared to collaborate.”
