NATO chief highlights Türkiye’s indispensable position in Alliance Slams Greece’s opposing steps

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte supported Türkiye’s bid to join the EU's new SAFE defence program, as reported by the Turkish newspaper Türkiye.

Rutte criticised Greece's attempts to exclude Türkiye from European defence projects.

"Turkiye is a NATO member and it is irreplaceable," the NATO secretary general said, taking direct aim at the Mitsotakis administration.

Rutte made it clear to Greek authorities that Turkiye’s participation would not only strengthen relations between NATO and the EU, but would also reduce barriers to the exchange of confidential information within the alliance.

"It is necessary to recognise Turkiye’s military potential and show goodwill towards Ankara," Rutte said, also calling on EU countries.

The Support for Ammunition and Fast-Following Equipment (SAFE) program, adopted by EU leaders in May, aims to speed up urgent defence procurement and provide long-term loans at competitive prices.

The program aims to mobilise €800 billion for defence spending within the framework of the European Commission's ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan.

Although the loans will only be available to EU member states, Ukraine, the EEA-EFTA countries and Turkiye will also be able to participate in joint procurements.

Turkiye is seen as a key partner in the SAFE program, both in terms of providing security on NATO's eastern flank and as a mediator in regional crises.

By Khagan Isayev