By Selen Valente Rasquinho
BRUSSELS (AA) - Türkiye plays a critical role in the European Union’s security and defense, a panel discussion in Brussels underlined Thursday.
The panel on the geopolitical challenges facing the EU and the future of EU-Türkiye relations featured
Türkiye's Permanent Representative to the EU Ambassador Faruk Kaymakci as well as politicians and academics from Türkiye and Europe.
Kaymakci emphasized Türkiye’s significance in the context of ongoing conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine.
He added that Ankara, an EU membership candidate and NATO ally, is indispensable for the 27-nation bloc’s defense and security.
He also pointed out that Türkiye's recent defense industry advancements would enhance its strategic value to the EU.
Kaymakci said EU deterrence was insufficient and that inadequacy contributed to Russia's aggression toward Ukraine.
He argued that integrating Türkiye into the EU's defense strategy could plug this gap and stressed the need for mutual trust and flexibility from the bloc in its defense projects.
Ayhan Zeytinoglu, the president of the EU-focused Economic Development Foundation, said Türkiye reiterated its pivotal role in the EU's defense by participating in joint missions and supporting its strategic autonomy in areas like the economy, migration, and green transformation.
He also affirmed his belief in Türkiye's goal of integration and membership in the EU.
EU External Action Service’s Baiba Aleksejuka-Tavaresa acknowledged the evolving dynamics in the EU's defense strategy due to the Ukraine war and emphasized the potential for Türkiye-EU cooperation in shared interests.
She noted that political differences should not hinder collaboration and cited the Black Sea region and Africa as potential areas for close cooperation.
Experts on the panel suggested initiatives such as a trilateral dialogue between the US, EU, and Türkiye to leverage Ankara’s experience.
They also highlighted the need for the EU to balance its relations with Türkiye for the future success of the European project.
Munevver Cebeci, an academic at Istanbul’s Marmara University, said the EU's marginalization of Türkiye sows distrust in bilateral relations. He suggested that the bloc should alter its attitude in relations with other countries.
"The EU has to find the right balance in its relations with Türkiye," he said.
Meltem Muftuler-Bac from Türkiye's Sabanci University emphasized that Ankara’s fundamental role in the EU's security, economic, and military dynamics cannot be overlooked for future regional stability.