Germany Urges EU to Include Türkiye in New Defense Programs
Berlin Calls Türkiye a Key Geostrategic Partner
Germany has urged the European Union to open its new defense initiatives to Türkiye, calling the country a long-standing and dependable NATO ally. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made the remarks on Friday during a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Berlin.
Wadephul emphasized that Germany sees Türkiye as a vital “geostrategic partner” and hopes to start a “new page” in bilateral relations.
Demand for Türkiye’s Inclusion in the SAFE Program
The German minister called for the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program—its €150 billion ($173 billion) joint defense procurement initiative—to include major NATO partners such as Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
“I strongly believe the EU should open the SAFE program to Türkiye and the UK,” Wadephul said. He added that both countries play significant roles in strengthening European defense.
He stressed that Germany is already holding constructive discussions on the issue and reiterated that Türkiye has remained a reliable and stable member of NATO. According to Wadephul, Berlin aims to elevate bilateral ties and reinforce cooperation in the field of security.
Wadephul also clarified that the EU’s push to improve its defense capabilities aims to support NATO, not replace it.
Strategic Dialogue to Resume
Turning to bilateral relations, Wadephul highlighted the deep historical and cultural links between the two nations. He pointed out that more than 3 million people of Turkish origin live in Germany, forming an essential part of German society.
He added that Germany and Türkiye share “clear common interests” due to the changing geopolitical environment and their roles within NATO.
Wadephul announced that both countries will restart their strategic dialogue mechanism at the foreign ministry level early next year.
Germany Supports a New Phase in EU–Türkiye Relations
Speaking about Türkiye’s ties with the European Union, Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s willingness to help move Türkiye’s long-delayed EU membership process forward.
“Türkiye has become an important partner in many fields, and strengthening EU–Türkiye cooperation is in our clear interest,” he said. He noted that if Türkiye chooses to pursue EU membership, it will find a “reliable and friendly partner” in Germany.
He added that the European Union also needs to show readiness for closer cooperation with Ankara. “Now is the right time to open a new chapter,” Wadephul said.
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