NATO chief urges EU leaders to strengthen ties with Türkiye

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, in informal discussions, urged European Union leaders to strengthen ties with Türkiye, which is also a member of the defense alliance, according to London-based Financial Times sources.

Rutte’s call for closer cooperation comes amid U.S. President Trump’s comments about potentially revising security guarantees for European allies. 

Brussels is considering deepening cooperation with Ankara and other countries to enhance Europe’s defense capabilities.

“Trump’s threats to withdraw U.S. security guarantees to European Nato allies and his move to restart ties with Russia and cut off support to Ukraine have spooked EU capitals,” the text reads.

Earlier this month, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attended a summit of leading European military powers in London, where discussions centered on supporting Ukraine and broader defense issues.

This follows Rutte’s private lunch with EU leaders in February, where he stressed the importance of strengthening ties with Türkiye and encouraged active engagement with Ankara to achieve tangible results.

FT also mentioned that in January, during a speech at the European Parliament, the NATO head emphasized that the participation of non-EU allies in joint EU defense projects is essential for Europe’s security.

“Things change. At a certain point in time you need to decide who you would like on your team, regardless of any issues you might have,” one anonymous source told the publication.

However, Ankara will need to “sort out their ambiguity over Russia,” the report adds, regarding Türkiye’s complex and balanced stance on the war.

Fidan previously said that Europe must unite and “develop its own center of gravity” in response to Washington’s shifting policies. 

Meanwhile, Türkiye aims to be part of a new European security architecture independent of Washington and NATO, the minister added.

Türkiye supports Ukraine’s NATO membership and is ready to play a crucial role in the peace process regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine.