Archive: https://archive.is/2025.03.11-052335/https://www.ft.com/content/42f838af-9aaa-4d43-b60f-3ceedd35821c
Nato has urged the EU and Turkey to improve their relations as US President Donald Trump’s retreat from European security forces the continent’s capitals to rapidly rethink their alliances.
Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte has privately urged EU leaders to step up engagement with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after years of strained relations, according to officials briefed on his remarks
It comes as Brussels explores way to increase collaboration with Turkey and other non-EU neighbours as part of a massive scale-up of European defence capabilities.
Trump’s threats to withdraw US security guarantees to European Nato allies and his move to restart ties with Russia and cut off support to Ukraine have spooked EU capitals. As well as a rush to increase defence spending, some EU capitals have championed working in a “coalition of the willing” with non-EU countries such as Norway and the UK.
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Deepening relationships with Turkey should be contingent on them not acting like Russia (Cyprus and Syrian Kurdistan say hi).
Also just generally the relations between Greece and Turkey, the conflicts don’t stop with Cyprus.
We keep dealing with the US and China. I don’t think we have the space and security to be picky, and Türkiye is not the worst of our allies, not by far.
Do my eyes deceive me? Do I spot a realist on Lemmy?
Not “acting like Russia” should be contingent with not helping Syrian Kurdistan take areas where nearly no Kurds live, not blowing up cars in busy markets, and not sniping people in Aleppo.
For reference Turkey generally ranks in the top 10 most powerful militaries, not far from France and the UK.
P.S.: According to the below video from French newpaper Courrier International based on a study by Spanish newspaper El Pais, if we add EU + UK + Turkey, it is statistically (ignoring organization issues) the first military power in terms of military personnel, armored vehicles and tanks, frigates and fighter planes. US remains in front in terms of aircraft carriers, helicopters and drones. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJcJLrMvwp4
The USA can project force anywhere on earth within hours. Türkiye plus the EU nations in NATO can do the same around Europe.
Which is fine since we’re not looking to invade anywhere. US on the other hand…
lol @Rutte. Just says what his masters want him to say. Before as PM: Türkiye no way. As head of Nato: plz kiss
Rutte is a weatherwane, but tighter EU-Türkiye relations would be great for when the US blows up NATO.
Agreed, just wish Erdo is out when it happens. Elections around the corner…
Is there a credible challenge?
My money is on Imamoglu, Yavas is an option too.
Can Imamoglu run with being mayor and all? I’d love to see some positive change in Turkey, don’t get me wrong, but we had a very similar situation in 2022 in Hungary, and it did not go well.
Yes, just like Erdogan did.
NATO needs the 4th largest active military now that the USA can no longer be counted upon.
