Germany urges EU to include Türkiye in $173B defense program

Germany has formally advocated for Türkiye's inclusion in the European Union's major new defense initiatives, recognizing Ankara's crucial role as a NATO ally and geostrategic partner. The declaration came from German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Berlin on Friday. Wadephul specifically referenced the EU's SAFE program—a €150 billion ($173 billion) joint defense procurement initiative designed to enhance European military capabilities—as requiring Türkiye's participation given its strategic position and longstanding reliability within the Atlantic alliance.

A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations

The German foreign minister emphasized Berlin's desire to open "a new page" in relations with Ankara, particularly focusing on strengthening security cooperation between the two nations. "As the German government, we have been seeking to take our bilateral relationship to a new level and, in particular, to strengthen the security aspect," Wadephul stated. This diplomatic overture signals a potential warming in Germany-Türkiye relations and acknowledges Türkiye's growing importance in European security architecture amid evolving global challenges.

Inclusion of Key NATO Partners

Wadephul articulated a clear position that the EU's defense programs should extend beyond member states to include vital NATO partners. "I firmly believe the EU's SAFE program must be opened to Türkiye and the United Kingdom as important NATO partners," he asserted during the bilateral meeting. The German official described constructive ongoing discussions on this matter, underscoring that "Türkiye has always been a very reliable and stable NATO partner," a characterization that reinforces Ankara's credentials despite periodic political tensions with some European capitals.

Strategic Implications for European Defense

The German proposal represents a significant shift in European defense policy considerations, potentially expanding collaboration beyond EU borders to leverage the military capabilities of key allied nations. Including Türkiye in the SAFE program would acknowledge the country's substantial defense industry, strategic geographical position bridging Europe and Asia, and its contributions to NATO missions. This approach aligns with broader efforts to create more integrated and effective European defense mechanisms while maintaining strong transatlantic partnerships.