Turkey and the EU Are Talking Defense Again — And It Could Change the Game
After three years of silence, Turkey and the European Union have reopened high-level defense talks, signaling a major shift in regional security cooperation. These renewed discussions could reshape not only Europe’s defense strategy but also Turkey’s role as a military and diplomatic powerhouse bridging East and West.
Why Now?
Europe is feeling increasingly vulnerable. Ongoing instability in Ukraine, growing threats at NATO’s eastern borders, and uncertainty around U.S. foreign policy have left EU leaders looking for strong, reliable regional partners.
Enter Turkey—a NATO member with the second-largest standing army in the alliance, an advanced defense industry, and influence that stretches across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. For European leaders, re-engaging with Ankara is not just smart—it’s becoming necessary.
What’s Being Discussed?
These talks mark the first step toward a deeper defense partnership. Some of the key topics on the table include:
Access to EU defense funds for joint research, military innovation, and arms procurement
Cooperation on developing advanced systems, including drones, naval technology, and cybersecurity tools
A framework for closer military-industrial ties between Turkey and EU defense firms
This is not just about money or technology—it’s about strategy and trust.
What’s Holding Things Back?
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. There are long-standing political issues:
Greece and Cyprus are pushing back, demanding that Turkey rescind old threats made during past conflicts before any full partnership can proceed.
There are still concerns over human rights and democratic backsliding in Turkey, which continue to create tension between Ankara and Brussels.
Turkey’s stalled EU membership bid and past friction with European leadership haven’t been forgotten.
Still, the fact that both sides are at the table again suggests that shared security interests are starting to outweigh political disagreements.
What This Means for Turkish Americans
For Turkish-Americans and U.S. foreign policy observers, this is a significant development. It reflects:
Turkey’s growing diplomatic and strategic importance
A recognition by Europe that Turkey is too valuable to ignore
An opportunity to promote policies that encourage cooperation over confrontation
As Turkish-Americans, it’s important to advocate for a U.S. foreign policy that understands and supports Turkey’s regional role, especially when that role contributes to broader peace and stability.
Final Thought
This renewed dialogue isn’t just a diplomatic formality. It’s a sign that Turkey is becoming central to the future of European defense—and perhaps global stability. If handled wisely, it could lead to deeper cooperation, stronger alliances, and a more balanced security structure in an unpredictable world.