EU to include new actors like Türkiye in defense strategy amid growing concerns

Europe is accelerating efforts to bolster its defense capabilities, following concerns that the United States may no longer be a guaranteed security partner in the long term.

According to a recent analysis by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the European Union is preparing to include new players such as Türkiye, the U.K., and Norway into its defense strategy as it looks to strengthen its position against Russia’s aggression.

US commitment to Europe in question

A phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month sent a clear signal across the Atlantic: the United States may not remain indefinitely committed to defending Europe against Russia.

The message was echoed during their follow-up conversation this week, which was described as a diplomatic whirlwind, prompting European leaders to rethink long-established security frameworks.

Ian Lesser, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund, noted that the Trump administration’s approach has “clarified minds on what needs to be done.”

EU intensifies defense discussions

As part of its response, the European Union is set to hold its third summit in six weeks today, focused on strengthening its defense strategy.

This marks the continuation of a series of high-level discussions that have seen EU and non-EU countries, including the U.K. and Canada, participate. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has also joined these talks, acting as a bridge between the EU and the new U.S. administration.

The urgency surrounding these summits highlights a growing divide within the EU, particularly regarding Hungary’s opposition to a unified stance on Ukraine. Despite this, EU leaders are expected to push forward with a common statement to sidestep the “strategic divergence” with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Türkiye among new actors in EU defense plans

Looking to the future, there is an increasing likelihood that Europe will become more autonomous in its defense posture, including incorporating new partners into its strategy.

Lesser pointed out that it is clear that a Europe serious about defense will want to include countries like the U.K., Norway, and Türkiye in its discussions.

The rise of Türkiye as a key player in European defense has been underscored by recent geopolitical developments.

European Policy Analysis Center (CEPA) recently emphasized that Türkiye’s defense capabilities could offer a historic match for Europe’s security needs, particularly as the continent grapples with increasing threats. CEPA stressed, “Türkiye has been a cornerstone of European security for over 70 years through NATO membership and continues to be an important ally.”

“Türkiye has European NATO’s largest land force, with close to 400,000 ground troops, and double that when reserves are included. It has over 2,000 main battle tanks, close to half those in European NATO, while its naval forces have critical control and leverage over Black Sea shipping lanes,” CEPA stated.

UK’s role in renewed European security

The growing disconnection between the U.S. and Europe has also led to a surprising shift in the U.K.’s stance, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emerging as a key player in securing a cease-fire in Ukraine and pushing for stronger European security measures.

While the U.K.’s post-Brexit efforts to reset ties with Europe faced difficulties, Starmer’s leadership has reignited hopes for closer cooperation on defense and security.

Economic consequences and budget shifts

The uncertainty surrounding U.S. security guarantees has also led to significant changes in Europe’s economic and defense spending strategies.

Brussels is now pushing to suspend fiscal rules for four years to unlock potential defense spending worth €650 billion ($706.3 billion).

In a move that signals a shift in Europe’s defense philosophy, Germany has supported a defense spending “bazooka,” while also calling for discussions on a shared nuclear deterrent with France and the U.K.

But according to FT‘s recent report, the European Union has moved to exclude arms companies from the U.S., U.K. and Türkiye from its new €150 billion defense funding initiative, unless their home countries sign defense and security agreements with the bloc.

Türkiye’s strategic importance for European security

Recent analyses have placed Türkiye at the forefront of European security discussions. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called for European leaders to engage more closely with Ankara to strengthen the alliance.

Türkiye’s growing defense industry and military capabilities are increasingly seen as vital to Europe’s long-term security.