Turkey’s top diplomat warned Saturday that America stepping back from its European security commitments could cause serious damage if not handled properly.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan revealed that conversations are taking place about how to address a potential American reduction in what he called the “European security architecture,” though he didn’t provide specifics about these talks.
The comments come as President Donald Trump has made threats to withdraw from NATO following European allies’ refusal to deploy naval vessels to help clear the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Speaking at a diplomatic conference in Antalya, a province in southern Turkey, Fidan expressed concern about the potential consequences.
“We are very much discussing how to manage or mitigate the withdrawal of the U.S. from the European security architecture. Not totally, but partially. Even a partial withdrawal… would be very destructive for Europe if it’s not done in a coordinated way,” Fidan stated during the panel discussion.
The Turkish minister, representing a nation that belongs to NATO but remains outside the European Union, criticized what he sees as problematic behavior within the alliance. He said EU member countries within NATO have been “acting like a separate club” and making independent decisions that sometimes conflict with the broader alliance’s stance.
“You want to be a separate EU organisation within NATO? Well America said ‘I’m letting you go, cutting off your ties’,” Fidan remarked.
The diplomatic tensions have been building since Trump announced his interest in acquiring Greenland, adding another layer of friction to alliance relationships.
Looking ahead, Fidan urged fellow NATO members to view the upcoming alliance summit scheduled for Ankara in July as a chance to repair relationships with Trump and Washington, while simultaneously preparing for potentially reduced American participation.
NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte has acknowledged Trump’s concerns with the alliance but emphasized that most European nations have provided valuable support for Washington’s military efforts against Iran.
According to a senior White House source who spoke with Reuters earlier this month, Trump has also been considering the possibility of withdrawing some American military personnel from European bases as part of his broader frustrations with NATO.
