Von der Leyen: EU, Türkiye have ample opportunities for defense cooperation

Türkiye remains a key NATO member and has ample opportunities to deepen defense cooperation with the European Union, as the EU increases investments in strengthening its military capabilities, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a joint panel with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum in Ankara, Report informs.

"Türkiye is one of the largest armed forces within NATO, of very big importance, and has always played an important role in the Alliance, but also, of course, in our relationship with the European Union," she noted.

Von der Leyen added that Türkiye can participate in joint projects under the €150 billion European SAFE program, approximately 35% of which is earmarked for cooperation with partner countries, including Ankara.

There is significant potential for the closest possible cooperation, von der Leyen said, adding that it is crucial for the EU to fully align defense capability development with NATO goals and address existing gaps in the most cost-effective manner.

She noted that decisions on the distribution of the bulk of EU defense spending, as part of the plan to mobilize up to €800 billion by 2030, will be made by member states. However, she added, such decisions should be made in accordance with NATO's defense planning process.

Further in her speech, von der Leyen also focused on expanding EU cooperation with Ukraine in the field of defense technology and innovation.