Europe turns to Türkiye as strategic security partner: Report
President Erdogan arrives before a meeting with European Commission President and EU Council President at the EU headquarters in Brussels on March 9, 2020. (AFP Photo)
As the United States gradually pulls back from its global security commitments and threats from Russia continue to mount, Europe is increasingly turning to Türkiye as a key defense partner, according to The Economist.
In a report published Thursday, the UK-based magazine remarked on Ankara’s rising strategic value, highlighting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s growing role in regional security. The article included the striking line: “Fear not, Europeans. Recep Tayyip Erdogan has your back,” reflecting how Türkiye is now being viewed as a stabilizing force amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Türkiye’s growing defense capacity draws attention
The report underlined Türkiye’s advances in the defense industry, from drones and armored vehicles to warships and ammunition, despite economic difficulties.
It also stressed that Türkiye’s industrial infrastructure could help meet Europe’s rising ammunition demands. Combined with its longstanding NATO experience, this makes Türkiye “an important partner,” the magazine wrote.
President Erdogan’s April 11 statement, “It has once again become clear that European security cannot be imagined without Türkiye,” has reportedly drawn close attention across Europe, with public debate intensifying over Türkiye’s role in future defense frameworks.
“It is becoming increasingly impossible for Europe to continue as a global actor without Türkiye taking its rightful place,” Erdogan also stated on March 3.
Europe needs Türkiye’s help in Ukraine
According to The Economist, Europe’s defense posture is evolving amid uncertainty over Washington’s long-term commitments. The publication noted that Türkiye, in contrast, is increasingly perceived as a reliable ally. “Suddenly, compared with Donald Trump’s America, Turkey comes off as a dependable ally,” the report stated.
The article also highlighted that Europe is counting on President Erdogan’s support in Ukraine, as NATO‘s eastern borders remain under strain and diplomatic avenues to resolve the conflict narrow.
Solid relations with Russia, Ukraine
Although Türkiye has not joined Western allies in imposing sanctions on Moscow in response to its invasion of Ukraine, it has continued to maintain strong economic and energy ties with Russia.
At the same time, Türkiye has also kept solid relations with Ukraine, advocating for its territorial integrity.
Türkiye’s strong defense industry is central to broader discussions within the EU about whether third-country defense companies should benefit from EU initiatives aimed at increasing arms spending. As part of efforts to deepen engagement with Ankara, the EU is also seeking to improve bilateral ties with Türkiye, particularly in the defense sector.
The Turkish defense industry has been expanding its footprint with significant defense cooperation deals, including recent agreements with Spain and Italy. In March, Türkiye’s Baykar and Italy’s Leonardo advanced their defense aviation collaboration, marking a key milestone in furthering their strategic partnership.
While Türkiye remains an EU accession candidate, the process has stalled for years, with various dialogue channels, especially those related to security and defense, being suspended due to unresolved tensions with Greece.
