https://arab.news/9xpqg
Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine marked a major turning point for European security. US President Donald Trump’s stance on reducing support for the continent has put European states in an even more difficult position, pushing them to seek alternative ways to strengthen their security. This is why Turkiye is today being seen as a potential partner.
Turkiye’s relations with the EU, NATO and the broader Western world have never been a bed of roses. Despite numerous issues testing these relationships, Turkiye has consistently framed itself as an indispensable actor for the West. Now, Europe’s doubts about long-term US security commitments have left the EU with little choice but to develop a new approach toward Turkiye. This was not necessarily the EU’s preferred choice, but rather the result of certain realities.
Turkiye, for its part, has taken advantage of this indispensability given its geostrategic position, balanced ties with Russia despite EU sanctions, growing defense industry, and status as NATO’s second-largest military force and third-largest contributor to the alliance’s missions and operations.
For months, there has been a closeness between Ankara and several Western capitals. Turkiye was even described as a “like-minded” non-EU partner by the bloc, which led many to describe this as bringing new momentum to Turkiye-EU relations. Also, this momentum has been interpreted as a pragmatic approach toward Turkiye by Brussels. So, hopes were high that this would not become yet another failed attempt to further their relations.
