Hakan Fidan: European security cannot be reduced to the EU alone

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that European security cannot be limited to the European Union alone, stressing that Turkey plays a central role. Fidan also stated that differences between the US and Europe are manageable and that Europe must shoulder more of the defense burden.

Scraper SystemJuly 07, 2026, 10:48 AM

Hakan Fidan: European security cannot be reduced to the EU alone

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that European security cannot be reduced to the European Union (EU), that a more holistic approach is needed, and that Turkey has assumed a central role in this framework.

According to information obtained from diplomatic sources, Fidan spoke at an event titled "European Security After the Ankara Summit: Strengthening Cooperation Among NATO Allies Across Europe," co-organized in Ankara by the Strategic Research Center (SAM) of the Foreign Ministry and Chatham House.

In his speech, Fidan stated that NATO should focus on enhancing its strategic capacity in the new era, noting that the alliance must move beyond merely reacting to current threats and adopt a longer-term, comprehensive security vision.

Touching on the current differences between the US and Europe, Fidan said that these divergences will not turn into an uncontrollable crisis at the NATO summit and can be managed. He emphasized that US President Donald Trump's attendance at the summit is important for managing existing problems.

Turkey's central role

Fidan reiterated that European security cannot be confined to the EU framework and that Turkey plays a critical role. Stating that Turkey supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, Fidan also said that maintaining open diplomatic contacts and dialogue channels with Russia is necessary for European security.

Noting that NATO's defense industry potential should not be assessed solely through an EU lens, Fidan said that countries with advanced defense industries, such as Turkey and the United Kingdom, are natural and necessary cooperation partners in the context of European security.

Burden sharing and responsibility

Fidan stated that the US calls for fairer burden sharing should not be perceived by Europe as psychological pressure or a threat. Noting that European countries must take on more responsibility, Fidan said that strengthening Europe's defense capacity is imperative not only for NATO's future but also for enhancing the strategic resilience of the European continent.

Stating that the NATO summit to be held in Ankara will not be dominated by mutual accusations between Europe and the US, Fidan added that the toughest task was convincing Trump to attend the summit, but that once this goal is achieved, the most critical phase is behind.

Hakan Fidan: European security cannot be reduced to the EU alone