Türkiye says Europe must become ‘its own center of gravity’

Europe must unite and develop “its own center of gravity” in response to shifting U.S. policies, while Türkiye aims to be part of a new European security framework independent of Washington and NATO, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in an interview with Financial Times.

“Even if President [Donald] Trump decides not to withdraw from Europe at this time, it is possible that in the future someone with similar views and political ideas might consider reducing America’s contributions to European security,” Fidan said.

He warned that Trump’s recent actions should serve as a “wake-up call” for Europe.

“Türkiye has the second-largest military [by active personnel] in NATO after the U.S., making it a key player in any future European security arrangements,” European Pravda reported.

Meanwhile, on March 6, Ankara announced it was ready to deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine “if necessary” to ensure peace, AFP reported, citing Türkiye’s defense ministry.

“The decision to participate in a mission… will be assessed with all relevant parties if it is deemed necessary for regional stability and peace,” the ministry said.

Türkiye emphasized that, as a NATO and Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) member, it is “an integral part of Europe’s security architecture, with an advanced defense industry, a crucial role in regional crisis resolution, and a strong military.”

Fidan previously stated that Türkiye does not oppose Ukraine’s NATO membership and is ready to play a key role in the peace process regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine, which is entering its 11th year.