Germany pushes for Türkiye’s seat at EU defence table

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for Türkiye to be included in the European Union’s new defence initiatives, emphasizing Ankara’s long-standing reliability as a NATO ally.

Speaking at a joint news conference in Berlin with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, Wadephul described Türkiye as an important “geostrategic partner” and expressed a desire to open a “new page” in bilateral relations, Anadolu Agency reports.

“I firmly believe the EU's SAFE program must be opened to Türkiye and the United Kingdom as important NATO partners,” Wadephul said, referring to the EU’s €150 billion ($173 billion) joint defence procurement initiative designed to strengthen European defence capabilities.

“We are engaged in constructive talks on this matter. As I have already emphasized, Türkiye has always been a very reliable and stable NATO partner. As the German government, we have been seeking to take our bilateral relationship to a new level and, in particular, to strengthen the security aspect,” he added.

Beyond defence, Fidan’s visit addressed Türkiye’s broader agenda with Berlin and Brussels. Discussions included the modernization of the Türkiye–EU Customs Union, progress on visa liberalization, enhanced economic and technological cooperation, and strengthened energy, transport, and digital connectivity. Regional security issues such as Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria were also highlighted.

Fidan underlined the need for a “more balanced and cooperative Türkiye–EU dialogue” and stressed that Türkiye is ready to advance relations “on the basis of mutual respect and strategic vision.”

As part of his program, Fidan is scheduled to meet with German business leaders and representatives of Turkish civil society to promote economic collaboration and explore opportunities in energy, digital technology, and defence sectors.

By Vafa Guliyeva