German chancellor highlights EU-Türkiye cooperation amid global challenges

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of EU-Türkiye cooperation in addressing global political challenges, underscoring the need for closer collaboration among European partners beyond EU member states.

“We live in very serious times, and it is precisely in times like these that we feel the inestimable value the European Union has for all of us as a community with shared values and shared goals,” Scholz said Wednesday at a press briefing in Berlin alongside European Council President Antonio Costa.

“In any case, I consider it a good sign how closely, amicably and trustingly we are working together during this time. It’s good that we are not only involving EU members in our discussions but also including European partners like the United Kingdom, Norway and Türkiye,” he added.

EU’s defense strategy and Türkiye’s role

Scholz highlighted two primary concerns that have dominated EU discussions in recent weeks: support for Ukraine and strengthening Europe’s defense capacity.

He urged EU member states to step up their defense efforts, describing it as “one of the central tasks at the national and European level for the coming years and decades.”

The German chancellor pointed to an upcoming EU summit in Brussels, where leaders will discuss concrete measures to enhance the European defense industry.

He also underscored that Türkiye, along with other European partners, would play a crucial role in regional security and defense cooperation.

Investment in European defense

European Council President Antonio Costa echoed Scholz’s sentiments, advocating for increased investment in European defense.

“We are between two meetings of the European Council. Last week’s special meeting focused on European defense and Ukraine. Next week’s meeting will have competitiveness at its core. And both themes are interlinked,” Costa said.

“Investing in European defense also means investing in our industries, in our technology, in jobs for our citizens. At the same time, Europe needs a strong, competitive economy to defend its interests in a challenging global context. Prosperity and security are two sides of the same coin,” he added.

EU’s financial commitment to defense

During a recent summit, EU leaders discussed a European Commission proposal for a new loan plan worth €150 billion ($163 billion).

The funds would be allocated to purchasing air defense systems, drones, and “strategic enablers” such as air transport, as well as enhancing cybersecurity.

Scholz stressed that defense projects funded by the EU should also be open to non-member partners like Türkiye, the U.K., and Norway, highlighting the necessity for a consolidated and efficient European defense industry.

“We need a major consolidation process of the European defense industry and we also need the opportunity for companies to work together actively, independently and without being hindered by European competition rules,” he said.