The future of NATO was discussed at a panel held in The Hague, focusing on the changing global security environment and the upcoming Ankara Summit. The event highlighted Turkey's position within the alliance and its defense capabilities.
The panel took place at the Clingendael Institute's headquarters as a continuation of events previously organized by the Presidency's Communications Directorate in Madrid, Paris, London, Warsaw, Washington, Rome, Brussels, Helsinki, and Berlin. Over 20 ambassadors and diplomats from various countries, representatives of international organizations, officials from Dutch public institutions, and academics from Dutch universities attended the meeting.
Opening Remarks Kick Off the Meeting
The event began with addresses from Turkey's Ambassador to The Hague, Fatma Ceren Yazgan, and Clingendael Institute Director Martijn Pluim. The Presidency's Communications Director Prof. Dr. Burhanettin Duran also sent a video message to the panel.
The session was moderated by Bart van Den Berg, Head of the Institute's Defense and Security Studies Program. Contributions were made by former NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Director of the Dutch Atlantic Commission Anna van Zoest, Member of the Presidential Security and Foreign Policy Board and Faculty Member at the National Intelligence Academy Nurşin Ateşoğlu Güney, Faculty Member at Hasan Kalyoncu University and Senior Researcher at the SETA Foundation Murat Aslan, and Anadolu Agency Deputy General Manager and Editor-in-Chief Yusuf Özhan.
Hybrid Threats and Artificial Intelligence on the Agenda
Speakers discussed the evolving security landscape, the rise of hybrid threats, and the impact of artificial intelligence on security. NATO's capacity to adapt to these threats and its comprehensive security approach were also examined.
Turkey's importance within NATO was particularly emphasized. Due to its status as the alliance's second-largest army and its field experience, Turkey plays a critical role in the security architecture.
Attention was drawn to Turkey's advancing defense industry technologies, which hold strategic value for both NATO and European security. It was noted that the upcoming NATO Ankara Summit will take place at a critical time given the current global security environment.
The panel concluded that NATO's future is directly linked to its adaptation to hybrid threats, defense capabilities, and a comprehensive security approach. Turkey's geostrategic position and mediation abilities were highlighted within this context.
The message was clear that Turkey is vital not only for the alliance's southern flank but also for NATO's overall security. The Ankara Summit is expected to witness significant decisions and be a historic meeting.
Ankara Summit Explained to Dutch Media
As part of the event, a separate meeting was hosted by Turkey's Embassy in The Hague for members of the press. National and international journalists based in The Hague were briefed on the Ankara Summit and Turkey's contributions to NATO.
During the meeting, Nurşin Ateşoğlu Güney, Murat Aslan, and Yusuf Özhan answered journalists' questions. Current international issues, the alliance's security ecosystem, evolving threats, and the importance of the developing defense industry were also discussed.
