The European Union seeks to include Türkiye amid the significant increase in military tensions.

After the European Union has repeatedly denied Türkiye's entry into the integration process, the paradigm shift on the continent seems to have made several members reconsider. 

Amid the military escalation driven by Europe's main military powers, Türkiye's military might would be seen as an advantage to include a country they have denied entry to in the past due to religious differences. 

Türkiye has established itself as a key partner in the restructuring of European security, according to diplomats and analysts, while Europe tries to strengthen its defense and ensure the rearmament of Ukraine in any ceasefire agreement proposed by the United States.

The foreign policy of Donald Trump's administration has altered Washington's strategy, by changing the isolation policy toward Russia, which has put pressure on Ukraine after failed talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In this context, European countries have sought to maintain Ukraine's military capabilities and increase the advance against Russia, while also seeking to strengthen their own defense without completely relying on Washington.

This situation has created an opportunity for Türkiye to strengthen its ties with Europe, despite ongoing tensions over the rule of law, maritime disputes with Greece and Cyprus, and its long and frustrated candidacy for entry into the European Union.

According to some experts and former diplomats, European countries that once thought they could exclude Türkiye now realize they can't afford to do so.

After a meeting with Turkish President Erdogan, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk raised the possibility of Türkiye taking on greater responsibility in peace in Ukraine and regional stability.

A European diplomat highlighted the importance of Türkiye's positions on what is needed to achieve peace in Ukraine, given the balance achieved by Erdogan between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Türkiye, a NATO member and with the second-largest army in the alliance, has made significant advances in its defense industry, producing its own aircraft, tanks, and aircraft carriers, as well as exporting armed drones globally, including to Ukraine. In 2024, its defense industry exports reached 7.1 billion dollars.

Amid debates on the restructuring of European security, several countries have discussed forming a "coalition of the willing" to help Ukraine, with France even considering the possibility of extending its nuclear umbrella to its allies.

Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan have argued that Europe must include Türkiye comprehensively in the new security architecture, beyond "à la carte" approaches. One proposal is to integrate Türkiye into the European Peace Facility program, an EU initiative that supports Ukraine.

Despite cooperation opportunities, Türkiye's stance on Russia remains a key issue. Ankara has refrained from imposing sanctions on Moscow following the invasion of Ukraine and maintains strong ties in energy, tourism, and trade with Russia.

Some former diplomats point out that the key to Türkiye's future role in European security will be its relationship with Russia, given that European security considers Russia a threat.

Türkiye has supported Ukraine militarily and backed its territorial integrity, organizing peace negotiations at the start of the war and offering future talks, as well as attempting to revive a security agreement in the Black Sea.

Recently, Türkiye has also shown willingness to participate in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine should a ceasefire be declared.

During a meeting of European chiefs of staff in Paris, the chief of staff of the Turkish armed forces, Metin Gurak, met with his British and French counterparts, who have also considered sending troops.

Finally, Polish Prime Minister Tusk proposed that Türkiye play an active role in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

In a joint press conference with Erdogan, Tusk emphasized that both Poland and Türkiye have sought peace since the escalation of the war between Russia and Ukraine and that the reconstruction of Kyiv represents an opportunity for businesses from both countries.

Erdogan stressed that Türkiye and Poland are key allies in NATO and that Türkiye's full membership in the EU is a strategic goal to strengthen Europe's power and influence.