NATO Chief urges EU to enhance cooperation with Türkiye to strengthen European defence.

On 11 March 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking after an official engagement in Sarajevo, urged the European Union to pursue stronger cooperation with Türkiye as part of bolstering Europe’s defence capabilities. His call reflects a strategic push from NATO leadership for greater alignment between EU member states and Türkiye to address shared security challenges and improve deterrence across the Euro-Atlantic space.

Secretary General Rutte emphasised that reinvigorated engagement with Ankara is essential. He pointed to Türkiye’s defence industrial capacity and its role within the Alliance as critical assets that could support Europe’s efforts to rearm and modernise in response to evolving threats.

In his remarks, Rutte underscored that Turkey remains a central NATO ally, equipped with the second-largest army in the Alliance after the United States, and that cooperation with its defence sector can enhance collective capability development. His message to EU leaders highlighted the practical benefits of deepening strategic ties, including industrial collaboration and interoperability, which are increasingly important as Europe responds to sustained geopolitical tensions and the ongoing defence requirements of the regional challenges.

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