Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Türkiye must be part of any new European security framework if NATO weakens. He made these remarks in an interview with the UK-based Financial Times.
Fidan highlighted that former US President Donald Trump’s statements on European security have unsettled Western leaders. He remarked, "This should be a wake-up call for us to unite and establish our own centre of gravity." He underlined Türkiye's vital contribution to NATO for more than seven decades and said that without Türkiye European security is not feasible.
Pointing to growing doubts in European security, Fidan said, "The genie is out of the bottle, and there is no way to put it back." "Future leaders could think about lowering US presence in Europe even if not now.
That is why Europe must develop its own security framework, with Türkiye as a key part of it."
Trump’s Remarks on NATO and European Security
Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that NATO allies must increase their defence spending, warning that the US will not support those who fail to do so. His statements have fuelled concerns about NATO’s future, particularly in Eastern Europe. The US Vice President also addressed Ukraine peace talks, emphasising that Europe must take greater responsibility.
Fidan: European Security Cannot Exclude Türkiye
In a previous interview with Anadolu Agency, Fidan reiterated that the European security structure is undergoing a transformation. "If a new European security framework is to emerge, it cannot exclude Türkiye. A security model that disregards Türkiye is unrealistic," he stated, reinforcing Türkiye’s indispensable role in NATO and European security.
