By The Brussels Times with Belga
Mar. 11, 2025
NATO Chief Mark Rutte has called for closer cooperation between EU and Turkish leaders to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities.
The European Union and Turkey have had strained relations, with Turkey’s EU membership bid on hold for several years. Europe criticises Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for authoritarian tendencies, and unresolved conflicts with Member States like Greece and Cyprus have exacerbated tensions. Additionally, Turkey maintains ties with Russia and has not fully supported international sanctions against it.
Despite these challenges, Rutte urged EU leaders to restore good relations with Erdoğan during a meeting in Brussels in early February. He emphasised the importance of the Turkish defence industry in Europe’s efforts to rearm and support Ukraine, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Turkey is a crucial NATO member, boasting the alliance’s second-largest army after the United States. Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan participated in early February consultations with the “coalition of volunteers,” aimed at protecting Ukraine in the event of a future ceasefire or peace agreement.
Fidan stated that Ankara is willing to engage in a new security accord in Europe, as the United States appears to be distancing itself from NATO.
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