Shifts in transatlantic relations are offering Turkey an unexpected opportunity to expand its influence as Ankara aims to become part of new alliances.
Under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, Turkey sees itself as a beneficiary of new trends in European security policy. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attended the Ukraine summit in London in early March, emphasizing Ankara’s presence in key security matters.
Turkey’s Growing Role in Europe
Experts suggest that Turkey is receiving more serious attention from its European partners. “Turkey knows it holds a favorable position in the reshaping of Europe’s new security order,” said Ulrich Schlie, a professor of security studies at the University of Bonn.
Ankara believes European countries must reorganize their defense strategy. “It is time for Europe to take care of itself, even if the U.S. remains in NATO,” foreign policy expert Barçin Yinanç told the Turkish media outlet T24.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Fidan stressed that NATO can no longer blindly rely on the U.S. “The genie is out of the bottle, and there is no turning back,” he said.
Ankara Seeks Its Place in the New Security Architecture
Brussels is aware of this, but Turkey’s exact role remains unclear. Erdogan has pointed out that Turkey has the second-largest army in NATO after the U.S. and insists his country must be included in the EU’s new defense programs. “We must be part of European defense industry projects,” he stated.
Turkey has built a strong defense industry and strengthened strategic partnerships. It supports Ukraine while maintaining close ties with Russia. “A closer integration of Turkey into Europe’s new security structure could benefit both sides,” Schlie said.
Relations with the EU and Membership Prospects
Erdogan is using this moment to push for full EU membership. “Europe can no longer afford to be selective. Turkey’s stability is Europe’s stability,” said Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Germany, Nasimi Aghayev.
Turkey is taking steps to meet EU requirements. The peace process with the PKK is moving forward, and there is speculation that Selahattin Demirtaş, the former leader of the HDP, could be released—a long-standing demand of the European Court of Human Rights.
The European Commission has signaled deeper cooperation with Ankara, starting with visa liberalization and the expansion of the customs union. However, full membership remains a political challenge for both sides. /BV
