EU debates Türkiye’s role in new defence initiative amid shifting security landscape

As Europe charts a new course for defence in the wake of diminishing US involvement, Türkiye’s potential participation in the European Union’s latest military initiative, the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), has sparked debate across the continent.

The EU’s defence ambitions, formalized in the White Paper released on March 19, call for a sweeping increase in military expenditure, production capabilities, and joint defence projects through 2030. This initiative reflects growing pressure from Washington and persistent threats from Moscow, prompting Brussels to consider bolstering security through increased continental self-reliance, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media.

Türkiye, both an EU candidate and a NATO ally, has emerged as a potential contributor to the SAFE initiative due to its recent advancements in defense technology, especially drone production. Article 17 of the SAFE proposal allows candidate countries to participate, opening the door for Turkish involvement.

According to European Commission defence spokesperson Thomas Regnier, “SAFE allows EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland, which are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and Ukraine to purchase joint defence products, and participate in joint procurements with EU member states, but they cannot receive credit.”

Regnier added that countries with whom the EU has signed a security and defence partnership—such as Norway, Moldova, South Korea, Japan, Albania, and North Macedonia—may also take part. “Companies located in Europe can participate in the procurement process. If they meet the security-based conditions, they do not have to be European,” Regnier said.

“Other countries (non-EU members) such as Türkiye can immediately provide up to 35 per cent of a defence product,” he explained. “In order to increase industrial participation above 35 per cent, a Security and Defence Partnership and then a partnership agreement are required.”

Military analyst Ester Sabatino of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) emphasized Türkiye’s growing defence capacity. “At this point, it has a special expertise, especially in the production of armed drones,” he said. “Now, there is a need for this type of production on the European side.”

However, Sabatino warned, “Everything is becoming extremely politicized.” He added, “What I see for Türkiye is that if Turkish companies create a kind of ‘firewall’ on EU territory, they can basically get involved in projects more easily.”

Behind the scenes, Greece has reportedly expressed discomfort over Türkiye’s involvement and is expected to push for restrictions during SAFE negotiations. As any defence agreement must be unanimously approved, Greece could influence the outcome.

By Vafa Guliyeva