Erdogan Seeks EU Defense Integration Ahead of Ankara NATO Summit

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for Türkiye's full inclusion in European Union defense structures and the removal of trade barriers within the NATO defense industry during a series of diplomatic events leading up to the July 7-8 NATO summit in Ankara. Speaking at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Summit in Istanbul, Erdogan specifically targeted the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, arguing that Türkiye's security contributions are frequently overlooked. While Türkiye is eligible for SAFE, Greece has threatened to block its entry, as the initiative requires unanimous EU approval.

Simultaneously, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas led a high-level delegation, including Commissioners Marta Kos and Magnus Brunner, to meet with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and President Erdogan. Kallas described Türkiye as a partner of strategic importance but rejected the creation of a separate European army, favoring the existing European pillar within NATO. These talks focused on regional security, migration, and trade.

Other alliance activities included a meeting in Jurata, Poland, where Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda coordinated with Baltic and Eastern European leaders to strengthen the alliance's eastern flank against Russian aggression. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump pledged a gesture to improve relations with Erdogan during the upcoming summit, which may involve the delivery of F110 engines for Türkiye's KAAN fighter jets.