Turkey Seeks Larger EU Defense Role Amidst NATO Doubts

Turkey's defense minister, Hulusi Akar, has asserted that sidelining Turkey from European Union defense initiatives, specifically excluding them from the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects, would be more detrimental than a potential withdrawal of U.S. troops from the continent. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the future of European defense and the role of non-EU NATO members like Turkey in these efforts, particularly as some U.S. politicians, including members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, question the country's commitment to the alliance following Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system. Akar's comments were delivered during a speech at the Turkish National Defense University in Istanbul, directly addressing concerns raised by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell regarding Turkey's actions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey, a long-standing NATO member since 1952, has been increasingly vocal about its desire to play a more significant role in European defense matters. Ankara believes its strategic location bordering Syria, Iraq, and Iran, its substantial military capabilities ranking as the second largest in NATO, and its contributions to NATO operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and the Black Sea region make it an indispensable partner. Turkish officials have expressed concerns that excluding Turkey from EU defense projects like the European Defence Fund (EDF) would not only weaken European security but also undermine the NATO alliance by creating divisions and redundancies, potentially leading to duplicated efforts and conflicting operational doctrines.

The push for a larger role in European defense comes at a time when some EU members, particularly France and Germany, are seeking to enhance their own defense capabilities and reduce reliance on the United States, aiming for strategic autonomy. Initiatives like the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), launched in 2017 with 46 collaborative projects currently underway, aim to foster closer defense cooperation among EU member states in areas such as military training, cyber defense, and maritime security. However, the inclusion of non-EU countries like Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom in these initiatives remains a contentious issue, with some EU members prioritizing internal cohesion and control over broader partnerships.

Turkey's relationship with some EU countries, notably Greece and Cyprus, has been strained in recent years due to various political and security disagreements, including disputes over maritime boundaries, energy exploration rights in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the ongoing Cyprus issue. These tensions have raised questions about the feasibility of closer defense cooperation between Turkey and the EU, with some EU members advocating for sanctions against Turkey for its actions in the region. Despite these challenges, Ankara argues that its involvement is crucial for addressing common security threats, such as terrorism emanating from Syria and Iraq, illegal migration flows from the Middle East and Africa, and instability in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey maintains a significant naval presence.

Excluding Turkey could lead to a fragmented approach to defense, potentially weakening overall security and hindering effective responses to transnational threats. Turkey's military, with over 400,000 active personnel, is the second largest in NATO, and its geostrategic position is vital for countering threats from the south and east, serving as a crucial buffer against instability in the Middle East and the Black Sea region. Therefore, finding ways to integrate Turkey into European defense efforts, perhaps through enhanced dialogue and targeted cooperation on specific projects, while addressing existing political differences, is essential for ensuring a strong and cohesive security architecture in Europe.

The debate over Turkey's role in European defense echoes similar discussions held in the 1990s regarding the development of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), now the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Back then, concerns were raised about potential duplication with NATO and the need to ensure that EU defense initiatives complemented, rather than competed with, the transatlantic alliance. The current situation is further complicated by Turkey's increasingly assertive foreign policy and its acquisition of the Russian S-400 system, which has led to its suspension from the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program and strained relations with several NATO allies.

For U.S. service members and veterans, these developments have practical implications. Potential deployments to Europe could be affected by the level of cooperation between NATO and the EU, as well as the role Turkey plays in regional security. The interoperability of military equipment and the coordination of training exercises could also be impacted by the ongoing tensions. Furthermore, veterans who have served alongside Turkish forces in NATO operations may find themselves navigating a more complex geopolitical landscape, requiring a nuanced understanding of the evolving relationships between key allies.

The debate over Turkey's role in European defense is likely to continue as the EU further develops its defense initiatives, particularly as the Strategic Compass, a new EU strategy document aimed at strengthening the bloc's security and defense policy, is implemented over the next decade. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for the future of European security and the transatlantic alliance, shaping the distribution of responsibilities and resources for addressing common security challenges. Military members should pay close attention to these developments as they will affect future deployments, international partnerships, and the overall strategic balance in the region.