Fidan: Europe must protect itself and not rely on Washington
In a clear call reflecting the rapid geopolitical shifts the world is witnessing, Turkey has sent a direct message to Europe, urging it to reconsider its security doctrine. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on European countries to assume full responsibility for protecting their national security, instead of relying traditionally and continuously on the United States as their sole protector.
These remarks came during the Turkish minister's participation in an international conference in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, where Fidan emphasized that current circumstances, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine, have created a new reality that cannot be ignored. He explained that the shift in the strategic priorities of the United States, which is increasingly focusing on the Indo-Pacific region, leaves Europe with no option but to build its own capabilities.
An existential necessity, not a luxury option
In remarks relayed in a statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Fidan emphasized that European security is a shared existential issue, saying, "As Europeans, we are all in the same boat. Ensuring the security of our own home is an existential necessity. We cannot delegate our security to others." These statements come at a time of escalating debate within the European Union regarding the concept of "strategic autonomy," an idea championed by countries like France to reduce dependence on American decisions.
Criticism of the European exclusion policy
The Turkish minister's speech was not without sharp criticism of the European Union's defense policies, particularly regarding Turkey's exclusion from the bloc's security frameworks. Fidan pointed to the apparent contradiction in the way Ankara is treated, a powerful and active member of NATO with the alliance's second-largest army, yet one that is marginalized in joint European defense plans.
He added, explaining: “Despite Turkey’s official commitments to cooperating with non-EU allies, it has been excluded for years from the EU’s security and defense frameworks.” Fidan attributed this exclusion to what he called the “narrow national agendas” of a few member states, implicitly referring to political disagreements where the individual interests of some countries prevail over the broader strategic interests of the European continent.
Strategic context and regional importance
This Turkish invitation takes on particular significance under the current circumstances. Historically, Turkey has formed NATO's southeastern flank and served as a bulwark against security challenges emanating from the east and south. With the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Turkey's role as a vital mediator and strategic transit route for energy and grain has become even more prominent, further solidifying its position in the European security equation.
Observers believe Fidan's call serves as a preemptive warning to Europe, especially given the approaching political milestones in the United States that could reshape Washington's commitment to NATO. Europe's complete reliance on the American security umbrella could become a fatal weakness if the next US administration decides to reduce its involvement in European affairs. This makes Turkey's integration into the European defense system not merely a political option, but a pressing security necessity to ensure the stability of the continent.
