Turkey’s Role in European Defense Funding
**A recent weekly press briefing focused on various matters, notably the activities of Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense. During this session, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, the spokesperson for the Ministry, addressed inquiries regarding Turkey’s potential involvement in the European Security Action Fund (SAFE). He highlighted the growing urgency to bolster Europe’s defense capabilities, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and other pressing global issues.**
Aktürk revealed that the SAFE Regulation, which outlines a plan for the European Union to allocate 150 billion euros towards defense procurement for its member states, was officially approved by the EU Council on May 27. He indicated that while Turkey is welcome to participate in this initiative, the regulation imposes numerous restrictions on countries outside the EU. He stated, “Unfortunately, we have observed attempts to marginalize non-EU allied nations, including Turkey, from the European defense and security framework, often treating them as bargaining chips in various negotiations.”
The Importance of Inclusivity in European Security
Aktürk emphasized the necessity of inclusivity, strategic foresight, and collective solidarity in reinforcing European security. He firmly believes that a visionary approach is essential for addressing these complex security challenges effectively. He stated, “We are confident that Turkey can provide invaluable contributions to Europe’s defense and security, given our advanced military capabilities.”
This sentiment has echoed among many of Turkey’s allies throughout the discussions surrounding the SAFE regulation. They recognize that collaboration is key to strengthening Europe’s security framework. As such, Turkey is committed to enhancing defense cooperation, either through the SAFE mechanism or through bilateral partnerships with European allies, focusing on its strengths in unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense systems, and various other advanced military technologies.
