EU Confirms Review of Türkiye's Bid to Join SAFE Defense Program
The European Commission has officially acknowledged receiving Türkiye's application to participate in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, a major EU defense initiative, and confirmed the request is now under review. The announcement, made by a commission spokesperson on Wednesday, marks a significant step in Türkiye's efforts to integrate with European defense structures, alongside a similar bid from South Korea.
Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier outlined the procedural pathway, stating that for Türkiye's inclusion to advance, the commission must first adopt a formal recommendation. This recommendation would then be submitted to the European Council, which represents EU member states, for its necessary endorsement. Only following this political green light could bilateral negotiations between the EU and Türkiye formally commence.
Safeguards and Member State Concerns
Addressing potential concerns from existing members, Regnier emphasized that the EU takes the interests of its member states "extremely seriously." He pointed to existing regulatory safeguards designed to ensure that no third country's participation, including Türkiye's, can contravene the security or economic interests of the bloc or any individual member nation. This statement comes amid reports of diplomatic efforts to resolve objections.
Diplomatic Moves and Program Stakes
The review process unfolds against a backdrop of reported diplomatic pressure. According to recent Greek media reports, Germany has been urging Greece to withdraw its objections to Türkiye's participation in the massive €150 billion SAFE program. The initiative is designed to bolster investment in Europe's defense industry, with a key deadline for loan applications looming on November 30.
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