It is essential for Europe to include Turkiye in its existing defense and security mechanisms.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made these remarks during a press briefing.
Speaking to journalists on his return flight from Ethiopia, President Erdogan noted that Turkiye has stated across all platforms for years that it can provide numerous positive contributions to the European Union (EU).
"The time has long since come for Turkiye to be included in Europe's existing defense and security mechanisms. The world is changing, and how long can the European Union remain a prisoner of such a narrow agenda during this period of rapid transformation? This is inconceivable. The right choice would be to remove ideological barriers against Turkiye's integration into Europe and to strengthen Europe's potential," the Turkish leader emphasized.
According to the President, those who exclude Turkiye and ignore global realities must eventually admit that their positions are irrational. Erdogan believes that attempts to create a new defense architecture in Europe without Turkiye's participation will be insufficient.
Turkiye, a key NATO member with the second-largest standing military in the alliance, has long sought deeper integration into European security frameworks. As geopolitical tensions rise across the continent, Ankara's strategic position and military capabilities are increasingly viewed as critical components for regional stability. The call for inclusion comes at a time when the EU is actively discussing the development of its own autonomous defense capabilities and strategic autonomy, separate from but complementary to NATO.
