Lisbon: Trkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday emphasized the necessity for Europeans to take charge of their own security, describing it as an 'existential need.' Speaking at an ambassadors' conference in Lisbon, Fidan highlighted the collective responsibility of European nations to safeguard their security, urging them not to rely on external parties for their protection.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, Fidan expressed concerns about the inadequacy of the current system in providing sufficient guarantees for managing change responsibly, advocating against a fatalistic approach. He noted an uptick in protectionism and the use of hard power, alongside deepening disputes and increasingly indistinct boundaries between peace and war.
Fidan pointed out that threats now extend beyond traditional battlefields, with artificial intelligence and new technologies reshaping the nature of conflict. He asserted that those who effectively integrate technology with strategy will gain a decisive edge.
Highlighting the situation in Gaza, Fidan referred to it as the region's 'bleeding wound' and stated that as the second phase of the October ceasefire approaches, Trkiye is prepared to take on responsibilities related to governance and reconstruction. He emphasized that any peace plan must lead to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, noting that violations of international law have spread from Gaza to Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
Fidan also mentioned that recent developments, such as the Netanyahu government's recognition of Somaliland, demonstrate a strategy that undermines the territorial integrity of regional countries. He suggested that there is an opportunity to bring stability to Syria through constructive engagement, emphasizing that a stable Syria is crucial for regional peace and for preventing irregular migration, which also benefits Europe.
Despite the EU's commitments to collaborate with non-EU NATO allies, Fidan criticized the exclusion of Trkiye from the EU's security and defense mechanisms, attributing this to a few member states prioritizing narrow national agendas over Europe's broader strategic interests. He concluded by stating that with its demographic dynamism, economic potential, and security capabilities, Trkiye is a critical player that can significantly contribute to Europe's success story.