Turkey Seeks Greater Role in European Defense Amid US-EU Tensions

• •Turkey advocates for deeper military cooperation with the EU amidst US-EU tensions.
• •Defense Minister Güler claims Turkey's strategic position has evolved beyond a peripheral role in NATO.
• •Turkey will lead NATO's Allied Reaction Force from 2028 to 2030, highlighting its growing military significance.

Turkey's Defense Minister Yaşar Güler has called for increased military cooperation with the European Union, highlighting the inadequacies of the current military architecture in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly due to the Ukraine War and potential US withdrawal from NATO under President Trump. Güler emphasized Turkey's strategic importance, stating it is no longer just a peripheral NATO member but a central ally capable of enhancing security across Europe. He criticized the EU's exclusion of Turkey from defense initiatives, arguing that this marginalization could undermine European security. Turkey's military capabilities and defense industrial base are positioned as vital assets for Europe, especially as the continent seeks to deter threats from Russia. The remarks come ahead of the NATO Summit scheduled for 2026 in Ankara, where Turkey will assume command of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force from 2028 to 2030. The evolving security landscape in Europe necessitates a reevaluation of Turkey's role within NATO and its relationship with the EU.