Outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stressed that European security cannot be guaranteed without Türkiye’s presence in the south, during a speech at the German Marshall Fund event, “Reflections on a Challenging Decade.” He emphasized the importance of cooperation between Europe and North America in addressing global security challenges, noting the vital roles of countries like Türkiye, Norway, the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. in safeguarding the European continent.
“Without Türkiye in the south, Norway in the north, and the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. in the west, it is impossible to envision Europe’s security,” Stoltenberg said, underlining the need for collective defense to counter significant threats. He dismissed the notion that isolationism could ensure safety, arguing that the world’s interconnectedness makes joint efforts crucial.
Stoltenberg highlighted NATO’s role in maintaining peace, pointing out that 80% of the alliance’s defense spending comes from non-EU allies, underscoring that NATO benefits the U.S. as much as it does Europe. “No other major power has as many friends and allies as the United States. Undermining this advantage would be a mistake,” he added.
Turning to the war in Ukraine, Stoltenberg argued that continued military support for Kyiv is essential to bringing Russia to the negotiation table. He explained, “The more weapons we deliver to Ukraine, the sooner we can achieve peace and an end to the war.”
Türkiye, NATO’s second-largest military force, has played a crucial role in shaping the alliance’s leadership. Ankara backed Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as Stoltenberg’s successor. Türkiye has long condemned certain NATO members for their ties to groups it considers terrorist organizations, such as the PKK’s Syrian branch, which the U.S. has supported under the pretext of combating Daesh.
For over a year, Türkiye blocked Sweden and Finland’s NATO bids until their governments agreed to Ankara’s demands, including stronger measures against terrorist groups. Stoltenberg was praised by Türkiye for acknowledging the country’s significant burden in combating terrorism, and for his opposition to sanctions imposed on Türkiye, including U.S. sanctions following Ankara’s purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems.
Ankara continues to stress the distinct roles of NATO as a military alliance and the European Union as a political entity, with concerns about how these two organizations interact becoming a focal point in its support for NATO’s future leadership.
