Recent geopolitical developments have led to remarkable shifts in global security. Correspondingly, the European Union (EU) has sought to reshape its defence policies in this dynamic environment. Europe’s rearmament has been accelerated by Russia’s intervention in Ukraine, fluctuations in security guarantees by the United States (US), and changes in the global balance of power. Meanwhile, Türkiye’s geopolitical location and the continuous progress in its defence industry have been closely watched by the global community.[1]
Türkiye has been a contributor to European security at various lengths ever since the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Owing to its geographical location, Türkiye has historically been a transit zone, which is of strategic importance to its security policies. As a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member, Türkiye has become an important actor in Europe’s defence planning, developing new cooperation and regional adaptation strategies.[2] Numerous defence initiatives, particularly those in collaboration with the EU, have enabled Türkiye to broaden the scope of its technological contributions. Recent developments in defence technologies, particularly in production capacity in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles, are important in terms of technical capabilities that overlap with European defence needs. However, political and institutional frameworks need to crystallise in order to transform these contributions into structural cooperation.
The war in Ukraine and changes in U.S. security policies have changed the way Europe plans for security. The EU has been taking steps to strengthen its own defence capacity, while taking into consideration possible cooperation with external actors in a strategic framework. Türkiye’s competence in the defence sector opens up a possible path for collaboration in the restructuring of EU security. The technical and political boundaries of defence sector collaboration with third nations are outlined in policy documents released by the European Commission, where it is stressed that Türkiye’s involvement in these areas needs to be carefully evaluated.[3] As European countries turn to production and technology resources in their proximity, this trend strengthens the grounds for cooperation for regional powers such as Türkiye.
Türkiye’s defence industry capacity constitutes a technical area of cooperation in relations with the EU. However, the scope and depth of this cooperation depends on political factors. Domestic production capacity and increased investment in high-tech projects have allowed for a more self-reliant Türkiye in defence policies. Projects such as TAI Kaan, for instance, are of strategic significance not only for military modernisation, but also for minimising foreign dependence.[4] Türkiye’s location at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and the Middle East offers an advantageous transit and logistics infrastructure for security projects. Nevertheless, the effective utilisation of these advantages is directly in relation to confidence-building measures, diplomatic alignment, and the definition of common strategic objectives.
Recent years have seen a redefinition of EU-Türkiye strategic collaboration beyond historical connections due to changing regional dynamics. Progress has been made in areas such as joint defence projects, mutual capacity building and technical information sharing. However, institutional unity and security policy congruence are necessary for this development to be sustained. Even though Türkiye’s industrial capacity can meet the demands of certain EU countries, full partnership requires the formation of a strong diplomatic relationship. Furthermore, a clear policy coordination between the parties will be necessary to determine the extent to which Türkiye would participate in EU defence programs in accordance with its strategic autonomy aims. Increasing knowledge transfer and joint Research and Development (R&D) activities are considered among the steps that can take technical cooperation to the next level.[5]
Some of Türkiye’s logistical, technical, and regional capabilities are being reassessed as Europe’s security policy is being reformed in the face of political and economic uncertainty. Despite the fact that Türkiye’s multifaceted foreign policy approach causes sporadic shifts in relations with the EU, considering Türkiye’s expertise in regional security, it does not seem reasonable to dismiss the relations entirely. Beyond military considerations, Türkiye’s geopolitical impact is evaluated based on border control, energy security, and crisis management. The question of how to integrate Türkiye into the European security complex has been debated in a more complicated framework. In this context, the concept of strategic cooperation goes beyond technical compatibility to include political coordination and confidence-building processes.
Relations between the EU and Türkiye are developing not just on historical considerations, but also on the basis of shared interests current security requirements. For the EU to boost its production capacity and for Türkiye to expand its export markets, technical cooperation in the defence sector is essential. In the short term, some of Türkiye’s military technologies could be advantageous to EU nations. However, a unified normative framework between the parties is required for this cooperation to become strategic. In certain projects, Türkiye’s contribution to the European rearmament process extends beyond its function as a supplier to include that of a platform provider or technical partner. However, until a political framework for security policies is established, this cooperation may not be fully institutionalised.
Beyond technical and strategic exchanges in the defence sector, the future of EU-Türkiye ties can be evaluated from the standpoint of a long-term collaboration. As long as Türkiye’s defence sector development is in line with the EU’s strategic goals, long-term collaboration based on mutual gains is feasible. Projects to be developed in areas such as collaborative production, information exchange, and training will, in this framework, offer not only military but also economic and technological benefits. Although the development of positive relations with Türkiye is necessary for Europe’s evolving security policies, the parties’ political will determines whether or not these relations will stabilise.
In conclusion, Türkiye’s strategic significance in its relationship with the EU is evaluated based on both its military prowess and its capacity to influence regional security dynamics. In the EU’s effort to redefine its security planning, technical and political coordination with Türkiye can ensure that mutual interests are managed in a sustainable environment. The idea of a strategic cooperation assumes a multifaceted structure in today’s politics. Türkiye’s relations with the EU have the potential to deepen not only militarily, but also economically and technologically. Türkiye’s integration into the European security network is feasible through new cooperation models based on mutual trust, which can contribute to the continuation of regional stability.
[1] Ratti, L. (2023). NATO and the CSDP after the Ukraine War: The End of European Strategic Autonomy?. Canadian Journal of European and Russian Studies.
[2] Yikilkan, O. (2001). A Changing European Security and Architecture and Its Impact on Türkiye.
[3] Aykan, M. (2005). Türkiye and European Security and Defence Identity/Policy (ESDI/P): A Turkish View. Journal of Contemporary European Studies, 13, 335 – 359.
[4] Kuniholm, B. (2001). Türkiye’s Accession to the European Union: Differences in European and US Attitudes, and Challenges for Türkiye. Turkish Studies, 2, 25 – 53.
[5] Alexe, K. (2022). The Role of Türkiye as a European Union Security Player in Africa. International Business & Economics Studies.
