NATO leader supports Turkey's application for inclusion in the EU's SAFE defense fund, according to a news report.
The European Commission has confirmed Ankara's formal request to join the SAFE program, a €150 billion ($177.5 billion) defense fund aimed at bolstering the continent's security. This move has received support from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who sees closer EU-Turkey engagement as essential for stronger NATO cooperation.
Rutte has expressed his belief that Turkey's participation in SAFE could help soften Turkey's long-standing objections to sharing sensitive NATO-EU information. He argued that this involvement could be mutually beneficial, potentially easing tensions and fostering cooperation.
However, not all EU member states are in favour of Turkey's involvement. Greece and Greek Cyprus remain the most ardent objectors, citing historical and political reasons.
The informational meeting about the EU's €150B SAFE defense fund was held in Ankara, Turkey on Tuesday. During the meeting, Turkish officials discussed the opportunities within the program and the EU's technology and innovation opportunities that the Turkish defense industry can benefit from. The Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB) was also in attendance.
The discussions during the meeting focused on increasing visibility in Europe, developing new partnerships, and the role of Turkey in the defense industry. It was noted that the sharing of classified data requires unanimous NATO approval, giving Turkey significant leverage in the process.
NATO cannot set conditions while blocking defense development financed with external funds, according to EU diplomats. Rutte urged EU states to recognise Turkey's military capabilities and extend a gesture of goodwill.
The preliminary allocations for the €150B defense fund among 19 EU member states have been announced recently. Poland will receive the largest share at €43.7B, followed by Romania (€16.68B), France and Hungary (€16.21B each), Italy (€14.9B), Belgium (€8.34B), Lithuania (€6.37B), Portugal (€5.84B), Latvia (€5.68B), Bulgaria (€3.26B), Estonia (€2.66B), Slovakia (€2.31B), Czech Republic (€2.06B), Croatia (€1.7B), the Greek Cyprus (€1.18B), Spain and Finland (€1B each), Greece (€787M), and Denmark (€46.7M).
As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether Turkey will be able to overcome the opposition and join the SAFE program, potentially strengthening its ties with the EU and NATO.
