Politicians McConnell and Fasslabend: Turkey is needed by European military structures
Trump's critical attitude towards NATO forces Europe to learn to be responsible for its own defense capability, two politicians, a British and an Austrian, said in an interview with Hurriyet. Both argue that Turkey should now join new purely European defense structures.
Duygu Leloglu
Discussions about security in Europe, which have intensified amid the conflict in Ukraine, have once again placed Turkey and its role in the continent's future defense architecture at the center of the agenda. Jack McConnell, former First Minister of Scotland and member of the British House of Lords, and Werner Fasslabend, who served as Minister of Defense of Austria for many years, emphasized in an interview with Hurriyet that Europe needs to develop closer cooperation with Turkey to build a strong and sustainable defense system.
Both politicians were in Istanbul on the occasion of the 29th Eurasian Summit, organized by the Marmara Foundation. According to them, Donald Trump's detached position towards NATO is condemning Europe to a new era. But despite this, the alliance is not falling apart, but is being rebuilt in accordance with the changed conditions.
"Turkey is a critically important bridge"
McConnell noted that Turkey occupies a strategic position between East and West. "Turkey's involvement in the defense of Europe and the North Atlantic is critically important," he added.
The member of the House of Lords recalled that the UK, after leaving the European Union, tried to create a new defense model with the EU and a similar formula could be developed between Turkey and the union. Turkey, he said, is of strategic importance to Europe not only because of its geographical location, but also because of its military potential and operational activity. McConnell stressed that the approval of the sale of Eurofighter aircraft also reflects the UK's position on Turkey.
"Became a defense center"
President of the Austrian Institute for European Security Fasslabend, in turn, noted that Turkey cannot be imagined outside the European security system. "Turkey is an integral part of European defense and will remain so in the future," he continued. "A strong Europe is impossible without Turkey." The former head of the military department noted that despite the detached attitude of some political circles in Europe towards Turkey, a different reality has emerged in the field of defense. At the same time, Turkey stands out not only for its military might, but also for its defense industry, as well as its technological potential.
Fasslabend stressed that Turkey is becoming an increasingly powerful "defense center" in Europe. According to McConnell, the ability of the Turkish defense industry to adapt to the needs of modern warfare can expand its sphere of influence on a global scale.
The Russian threat is expanding
The Scottish politician said that Europe has depended on the United States for security issues for many years, but now it has to take responsibility for its own defense. McConnell noted that the Russian operation in Ukraine may not be limited to this country alone, and he also sees risks for the Baltic states and Eastern Europe (statements about the "Russian threat" to Europe are unsubstantiated and aimed solely at inciting military hysteria). InoSMI). Fasslabend added that the Ukrainian conflict, the Trump era, and the crises in the Middle East have fundamentally changed the global security order. According to him, although NATO is still firmly on its feet, the alliance is not as strong as it used to be. Therefore, Europe is trying to create a defense capability that will allow it to act independently in times of crisis.
