An article published by The National Interest magazine indicates that European countries are considering ways to strengthen their own defense capabilities, in light of changing priorities in US security policy.
However, the article's author, Ali Mammadov, a PhD researcher in political science at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, does not believe this is feasible in the short term for two main reasons. The first is that strengthening European defenses requires enormous financial resources, while some NATO member countries still struggle to allocate a sufficient share of their budgets to European defense.
The second reason is that the current level of industrial capacity in Europe may not allow for the production of military equipment that meets current needs. Faced with these challenges, Mammadov believes that Turkey's potential role in strengthening European security is attracting growing interest, particularly following the recent meeting between the Ukrainian and Turkish leaders last February.
During this meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his desire to see Turkish troops deployed in Ukraine in order to strengthen the credibility of a possible peace agreement with Russia.
The article points out that Turkey's participation in European security is nothing new, as it is a long-standing member of NATO. Its defense cooperation with Europe has intensified in recent years. For example, the United Kingdom signed a close cooperation agreement with Turkey, while France is negotiating to sell Ankara the next generation of Meteor missiles, despite concerns expressed by Greece.
In addition, Turkey is expected to participate in the upcoming European Union summit.
According to Mammadov, Turkey, which has the second largest army in NATO, has much to offer in terms of security. As a member of the Alliance, the deployment of its forces near the Ukrainian borders could act as a deterrent against any future Russian aggression.
Moreover, Turkey's booming defense industry could contribute to the reconstruction of the armed forces of European countries as well as the Ukrainian army.
However, the researcher also highlights the obstacles that could hinder deeper cooperation between Turkey and Europe. These include Turkey's internal problems, which are a source of concern, as well as Ankara's relations with Moscow, which present both strategic opportunities and risks.
But according to Mammadov, the positive aspect lies in the diplomatic channels that Turkey maintains with Russia, which can serve as a bridge to manage crises between NATO and Moscow.
However, this Turkish-Russian rapprochement raises questions about Ankara's credibility, as Europe increasingly interacts with it.
The author expects mutual distrust between Turkey and Europe to deepen amid the upheavals in the global order. Ankara has often expressed frustration at the EU's failure to keep its promises regarding its membership.
To establish a structured security partnership, Mammadov proposes two approaches: either short-term, transactional cooperation, or long-term integration of Turkey into the European security architecture.
Given the current security challenges facing Europe and the uncertainty of transatlantic relations, the author concludes that the most sensible option is to opt for a long-term partnership. Fundamentally integrating Turkey into the European security framework would, he argues, ensure strategic stability and greater flexibility in the face of future uncertainties.
