EU Signals Openness to Cooperation with Türkiye’s Defense Industry Under SAFE Program

The European Commission has indicated that it is open to cooperation with Türkiye’s defense industry under the EU’s joint defense financing initiative, the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program. While Türkiye could participate in projects as an EU candidate country, deeper integration—particularly the ability to sell defense products within the framework—would require a bilateral agreement with the European Union.

Brussels Highlights Potential Cooperation

The European Commission has underscored its willingness to work with Türkiye’s defense sector under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, a key component of the European Union’s emerging defense financing architecture.

Speaking to Turkish journalists during a press briefing organized by the EU Delegation to Türkiye in Brussels, a European Commission spokesperson noted that Ankara could participate in SAFE-related defense projects under specific conditions.

“We know that Türkiye has a very strong defense industry,” the spokesperson said, emphasizing that the EU’s defense programs are designed to remain open to cooperation with partner countries.

The SAFE initiative forms part of the EU’s broader effort to strengthen defense capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions in Europe and growing security concerns linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Candidate Country Status Allows Limited Participation

According to the Commission official, Türkiye’s status as an EU candidate country allows its defense companies to participate in SAFE-funded projects—though participation would be limited.

In particular, Turkish firms could contribute up to 35% of the components in defense products developed under SAFE-funded procurement projects.

“First of all, Türkiye would be able to purchase everything produced within the framework of the program,” the spokesperson said. “But the main question concerns sales.”

For Turkish companies to sell defense products directly within the SAFE procurement system, a formal bilateral agreement between Türkiye and the European Union would be required.

So far, the EU has signed such an agreement with only one non-EU country: Canada.

This arrangement allows EU member states to purchase defense equipment from Canada without restrictions using loans provided under the SAFE financing mechanism.

Türkiye’s Defense Industry Seen as Strategic Asset

European officials acknowledged the growing strength and technological capacity of Türkiye’s defense sector, which has expanded significantly over the past decade.

From drones and armored vehicles to naval systems and missile technologies, Turkish defense companies have become increasingly competitive internationally.

“We are aware that Türkiye has a very strong defense industry,” the spokesperson reiterated. “That is precisely why our defense instruments and programs—including SAFE—are designed to remain open.”

At the same time, the Commission stressed that Türkiye does not receive special privileges compared with other candidate countries.

However, Türkiye’s candidate status does provide one advantage: it would be able to purchase European defense products without quantitative limits, even if its participation in production remains capped.

EU Pushes for Stronger Collective Defense

During the briefing, the Commission spokesperson also emphasized the European Union’s growing focus on collective security and defense solidarity.

“If one of our member states faces a threat, Europe must take its destiny into its own hands,” the official said.

The EU’s position, according to the Commission, is that an attack against one member state should effectively be considered an attack against the entire Union, requiring a coordinated response.

“We must be ready to respond together because our way of working is based on full solidarity,” the spokesperson added.

The official also stressed that the EU’s defense initiatives are intended to complement NATO, not replace it.

“All EU member states will stand behind each other, and NATO will support them as well. What we are doing is complementary to existing international organizations.”

SAFE Defense Financing Mechanism

The SAFE program, which entered into force on 29 May 2025, is part of the EU’s broader “Defense Readiness 2030” strategy aimed at boosting European defense capabilities.

The initiative was shaped by multiple geopolitical pressures, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and demands from the United States—particularly during President Donald Trump’s administration—for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own defense.

Under the SAFE framework:

• EU member states, Ukraine, and members of the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) can access up to €150 billion in loans to finance joint defense procurement.

• These countries can jointly purchase equipment from each other’s defense industries.

• Candidate countries such as Türkiye and partner countries like Canada can participate in procurement projects if certain conditions are met.

However, the rules stipulate that at least 65% of the value of any defense product financed under SAFE must originate within Europe—defined as EU member states plus Ukraine, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Funding Allocations Across Europe

In September, the European Union announced the preliminary allocation of the €150 billion SAFE defense fund among 19 participating member states.

Poland received the largest share, with €43.7 billion, reflecting its frontline position in NATO’s eastern defense posture.

Other major allocations included:

• France: €16.2 billion

• Italy: €14.9 billion

The participating countries submitted their national defense investment plans to the European Commission by 1 December 2025, which will guide the distribution and use of SAFE financing.

According to the Commission spokesperson, 16 of the 19 national plans have already been approved, while those submitted by France, Czechia, and Hungary are still awaiting final approval.

Strategic Implications for Türkiye–EU Defense Relations

The Commission’s remarks highlight a cautious but potentially significant opening for cooperation between the EU and Türkiye in defense production and procurement.

While political tensions have often complicated relations between Ankara and Brussels, the EU’s growing emphasis on strategic autonomy in defense may create new incentives for practical collaboration—particularly given Türkiye’s expanding defense manufacturing capabilities.

However, the ability of Turkish firms to fully participate in SAFE procurement—especially as suppliers—will ultimately depend on whether both sides can reach a formal bilateral defense cooperation agreement.