NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte supports Turkey’s role in the EU SAFE defense program. Credit: Flickr / NATO / CC BY NC ND 2-0
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte backed Turkey’s potential role in the European Union’s SAFE defense program during a meeting with EU ambassadors in Brussels.
Rutte emphasized that Europe should demonstrate a willingness to engage in dialogue with Turkey if Ankara seeks closer cooperation with NATO, as Turkey’s participation in SAFE could help address concerns regarding the exchange of sensitive information between the Alliance and the EU.
Defense industry standards at the core
Diplomatic sources explain that one of Rutte’s motivations is related to defense industry standards, which are critical for ensuring system interoperability.
Rutte has already shared unclassified standards with the EU, a move that caused friction in Ankara. However, access to classified standards requires unanimous approval from all NATO members, including Turkey.
EU access to these classified standards is essential for financing the production of systems utilized by NATO. “The immediate beneficiary is the Alliance itself; it cannot impose conditions that hinder the development of capabilities with external funding,” said an official.
Greece and Cyprus oppose Turkey’s role in EU defense program
Greece and Cyprus have expressed opposition to Turkey’s potential role in the EU SAFE defense program, citing longstanding disputes with Ankara—from the Turkish invasion of Cyprus to recent tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The SAFE program allows up to 35 percent of contract value to be allocated to foreign suppliers, and any non-EU country must sign a specific agreement with Brussels. EU officials emphasize that strong safeguards are in place to protect member interests.
Turkey submits formal request to participate in SAFE program
On September 11, Turkey formally requested participation in the SAFE program, which aims to enhance the EU’s defense autonomy. EU Commission spokesperson Tomas Renier confirmed receipt of the application but did not provide further details, citing confidentiality.
“The Commission has received the request,” Renier said, declining to comment on the substance of Turkey’s dossier. He referred instead to the legal framework governing third-country involvement in such EU initiatives.
When asked whether the EU has safeguards against the participation of countries with conflicting stances toward member states, Renier reassured that the regulations are robust. “Measures have been incorporated to protect the interests of the Union and its members. This is not a lightly drafted regulation; there are clear safeguards in place,” he said.