Türkiye calls for stronger European security amid Trump’s NATO stance

Türkiye has urged Europe to establish its own security framework as U.S. President Donald Trump moves to scale back Washington’s role in European defense.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the need for European nations to unite in response to Trump’s policies, which he described as a “wake-up call for all of us.”

In an interview with the Financial Times, Fidan stated that Türkiye would be willing to participate in a new European security architecture if NATO were to disband.

“The genie is out of the bottle, and there is no way to put it back,” Fidan said. “Even if President Trump decides not to withdraw from Europe at this time, it is possible that in the future someone with similar views and political ideas might consider reducing America’s contributions to European security.”

Trump’s NATO criticism and European security concerns

Trump has frequently voiced dissatisfaction with NATO, questioning the alliance’s financial burden on the United States. Prior to his presidency, he threatened to withdraw from NATO if European members did not increase their defense spending.

After taking office, he pushed for NATO countries to raise their military expenditures to 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP).

This latest call from Türkiye comes amid heightened concerns in Europe over Trump’s recent foreign policy decisions. On March 4, his administration halted all military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine, a move that followed a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Feb. 28.

The Trump administration has repeatedly asserted that European nations should assume greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense.

Türkiye’s role in Europe and Middle East security

Fidan, who previously led Türkiye’s intelligence agency from 2010 to 2023, has been a key figure in shaping the country’s security policies. His role has extended beyond NATO concerns, as he also plays a central part in Türkiye’s engagements in Syria.

A year after becoming the country’s intelligence chief, Fidan attempted to dissuade Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from violently suppressing the protests that led to the country’s civil war. When those efforts failed, Türkiye became deeply involved in the conflict, hosting millions of refugees and supporting opposition forces against Assad.

In December, Fidan returned to Syria in his new role as foreign minister, where he was welcomed by Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new leader of Syria’s Interim Government.

“Syria’s darkest period is behind it,” Fidan stated. “Better days lie ahead.”

Managing NATO relations amid US policy shifts

Fidan’s call for a European-led security initiative aligns with concerns from other NATO members about the U.S.’s future commitment to transatlantic defense.

Last weekend, he met with European officials in London to discuss their response to Trump’s push for a Ukraine cease-fire and his potential disengagement from European security matters.

Türkiye, which has NATO’s second-largest military after the United States, has historically played a key role in the alliance’s security strategy. However, Fidan suggested that the shifting global landscape necessitates a new approach.

Geopolitical challenges and future of European defense

Beyond NATO, Fidan has been instrumental in Türkiye’s broader security strategy, including its relations with Russia, Iran, and regional allies.

Amid these geopolitical shifts, Fidan is also closely monitoring developments in Syria, where Türkiye has been actively involved. He expressed concerns over ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Syria, stating that “The ongoing attacks on the land and new troop movements are a clear provocation.”

Another key issue for Türkiye is the status of the SDF, a terrorist group that the U.S. has supported. SDF, an affiliate of the PKK, is considered a terrorist organization by both the European Union and the United States.

“These people are the sworn enemy of Türkiye,” Fidan said, estimating that thousands of fighters in the SDF are linked to the PKK. “We cannot let them continue.”

As Türkiye navigates its evolving role in European and Middle Eastern security, Fidan has proposed the creation of a regional coalition to combat Daesh, reducing reliance on the U.S.-led mission.

He also suggested that Turkish forces could take over terrorist organization SDF-run camps and prisons in northeastern Syria if necessary.

With Trump reiterating in December that the U.S. should “have nothing to do with Syria,” Ankara is positioning itself as a dominant actor in the region. “Pitting one terrorist organization against another was not the right idea,” Fidan said, referring to U.S. policy in Syria.

Fidan’s comments highlight Türkiye’s willingness to engage in a new European-led security framework while preparing for a potential shift in NATO’s structure.