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European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the bloc views Türkiye as a security actor and expressed satisfaction with Istanbul's emergence as a mediation center in recent times.
Speaking in Brussels, Kallas responded to questions about Türkiye's participation in the EU's new financing instrument, the Security and Defence Actions for Europe (SAFE), as a candidate country.
"We definitely see Türkiye as an actor in the security field," Kallas said, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with partner countries like Türkiye in defense matters.
Kallas explained that EU decisions on security and defense bring significant new funding. "This provides member countries with leverage to borrow or to do joint procurement, joint projects," she said.
"The meaning of this is both taking the money and cooperating with our partners like Türkiye," she added.
European countries purchase 60% of their defense acquisitions from the United States. "This means we need to strengthen our own defense industry, as we saw in the Ukraine war. There are places where we can procure together; there are tools designed for the European defense industry with partner countries like Türkiye," Kallas said.
"Now Türkiye, as a candidate country, also has access to SAFE credits for joint projects with European countries," Kallas confirmed.
She later emphasized that this arrangement allows for enhanced cooperation between Türkiye and EU member states in defense and security matters.
The SAFE program represents a new approach to European defense cooperation, providing financial instruments to strengthen the bloc's defense capabilities while including candidate countries like Türkiye in joint projects.
Kallas addressed the situation following Israel's attacks on Iran. "Of course, this war in the Middle East is extremely worrying.
There are many elements. Attacks on nuclear facilities are causing concern," she said.
She emphasized the EU favors a diplomatic solution regarding Iran. She said efforts continue to find alternative approaches while new sanctions against Iran are being considered.
"When it comes to Türkiye's role, Istanbul has been the venue for many meetings. Therefore, everyone is grateful for this mediation," Kallas said.
Kallas highlighted the EU's commitment to diplomatic solutions in addressing regional tensions.
The bloc continues to explore various diplomatic channels while maintaining its position that nuclear facility attacks are particularly concerning in the current conflict.
The EU's recognition of Türkiye's mediation role comes as various international meetings and diplomatic initiatives have taken place in Istanbul, positioning the city as an important center for conflict resolution efforts.
The SAFE program reflects the EU's strategy to reduce dependence on non-European defense suppliers and strengthen the bloc's strategic autonomy.
By including candidate countries like Türkiye in joint procurement and development projects, the EU aims to build a more integrated and capable European defense ecosystem.
Kallas's statements underscore the practical benefits of EU-Türkiye cooperation in security matters, particularly as both sides face common challenges in regional stability and defense capabilities.
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