Turkiye: A Pivotal Partner for Eastern European Nations
Recent years have witnessed a burgeoning relationship between Turkiye and the Eastern European states, particularly Poland, Hungary, and Romania. Despite differing perspectives on certain issues, these nations share a convergence of interests with Turkiye, especially as Europe navigates an increasingly complex security landscape marked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the escalating migration crisis.
Turkiye’s strategy for bolstering these relationships focuses on three key pillars: forging strong military cooperation within NATO to enhance European security; navigating diverse political landscapes, including varying viewpoints on Ankara’s EU accession; and amplifying its political and economic influence in Eastern Europe, aligning with the strategic aims of Poland, Romania, and Hungary.
Poland, for instance, recognizes the crucial role Turkiye plays within NATO. As two prominent members of the alliance, both possess substantial military capabilities – Turkiye boasts NATO’s second-largest military force after the US, while Poland currently holds the third position. Fuelled by considerations of regional security, Poland has actively sought to deepen its defense ties with Turkiye, leading to significant procurements of Turkish-manufactured military drones. These acquisitions underscore Poland’s determination to strengthen its security posture in light of regional instability.
Moreover, Poland, despite occasional divergences with Ankara’s approach towards Russia, recognizes the vital importance of preserving strong bilateral relations with Turkiye. Both nations share an unwavering commitment to NATO’s collective security principles and actively participate in joint initiatives designed to counter common threats. Poland recognizes Turkiye’s contribution to regional stability and views it as a crucial ally within the NATO framework, collaborating both bilaterally and multilaterally to bolster defense capabilities and contribute to the broader security of Europe.
Romania, similarly, shares a strategic vision with Turkiye, particularly regarding East-European security. Alongside Bulgaria, they have collaboratively undertaken crucial demining operations in the Black Sea, a vital maritime route, ensuring the safe passage of Ukrainian grain shipments. Turkiye’s role in both the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the subsequent demining efforts underlines its role as a key regional player.
Furthermore, Romania and Turkiye actively contribute to the defense of NATO’s eastern airspace through joint patrols with their F-16 fighter jets. This shared commitment underscores the amide importance of the Black Sea region for NATO’s security architecture.
Hungary, on the other hand, demonstrates a stronger alignment with Turkiye’s stance within NATO and on Russia. Seeing Turkiye as a role model, Hungary often aligns its foreign policy strategy with Ankara’s, sometimes even diverging from the consensus within the alliance.
This divergence was particularly evident in the case of Sweden’s NATO bid. Both Turkiye and Hungary initially hesitated to ratify Sweden’s accession, highlighting the varying interests and priorities within the alliance.
While Turkiye and Hungary share some reservations about supporting Ukraine, their approaches are driven by different considerations. Hungary, favoring a more neutral stance, avoids participating in security assistance programs for Ukraine, while Romania has emerged as a staunch supporter of its neighbor, bolstering its security cooperation with Ukraine through a ten-year strategic partnership.
Furthermore, Hungary’s pursuit of
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Defense Analyst Dr. Emre Korkmaz:
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Korkmaz. There seems to be a significant shift in the relationships between Turkiye and several Eastern European nations, notably Poland, Hungary, and Romania. Can you share your insights on what has fueled this burgeoning partnership?
Dr. Korkmaz: Thank you for having me. You’re right; the relationships are indeed broadening, particularly in the context of an increasingly complex security environment in Europe. The invasion of Ukraine has served as a catalyst, uniting these nations with a common interest in regional stability. Turkiye, with its substantial military capabilities, has become an essential partner for Eastern European countries seeking to bolster their defense postures.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. How does NATO play into this evolving dynamic?
Dr. Korkmaz: NATO is central to this partnership. As you mentioned, Turkiye has the second-largest military within NATO, and Poland holds the third. This military alliance provides a framework for cooperation on security matters, allowing countries like Poland to procure Turkish military technology, such as drones, to enhance their defense capabilities. This military cooperation is vital, especially given the shared concerns about Russian aggression.
Editor: Speaking of military cooperation, how has Poland specifically engaged with Turkiye in this regard?
Dr. Korkmaz: Poland has indeed taken decisive steps. In light of the regional instability, they have sought to deepen defense ties with Turkiye significantly. Recent procurement of Turkish drones reflects Poland’s strategy to modernize its military and bolster its security infrastructure. Despite occasional disagreements, they recognize that maintaining a robust bilateral relationship with Turkiye is crucial in addressing common security challenges.
Editor: You mentioned occasional divergences in perspectives, particularly regarding Russia. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Korkmaz: Yes, it’s a nuanced relationship. Poland has been more critical of Russia’s actions compared to Turkiye, which sometimes adopts a more conciliatory approach. Nevertheless, both countries share a commitment to NATO’s collective security principles, and they collaborate on defense initiatives. This partnership is primarily driven by practical security considerations rather than political alignment on every issue.
Editor: What about Romania? How does it fit into this collaborative framework with Turkiye?
Dr. Korkmaz: Romania has a similar strategic outlook towards Turkiye. They share concerns about regional security, especially in the Black Sea, which has been a focal point of instability. The partnership extends beyond military cooperation; both countries are also aligned economically, with Romania seeking to increase trade and investment opportunities with Turkiye. This synergy is particularly relevant as they navigate challenges such as migration and energy security.
Editor: With these developments, do you think we’ll see a more integrated Eastern European stance towards external threats, particularly from Russia?
Dr. Korkmaz: Absolutely. The geopolitical landscape is shifting, and Eastern European nations are increasingly recognizing the necessity of unity to counter external threats. While each nation has its unique priorities and concerns, the overarching desire for stability and security is fostering a more cohesive regional strategy. Turkiye’s role as a pivotal partner is integral to this evolution, reinforcing a network of collaboration that spans military, political, and economic dimensions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Korkmaz. Your insights shed light on how critical these relationships are for Eastern Europe as it faces modern challenges. We look forward to seeing how this partnership evolves in the future.
Dr. Korkmaz: Thank you for having me. It’s a fascinating time for the region, and I’m eager to see how these dynamics unfold.