NATO called on the European Union and Turkey to reinforce their relations, as Donald Trump’s decision to remove the United States from the European Security Structure pushing Governments to Old Epirus to quickly reassess their alliances, the Financial Times reveals.

According to officials who are aware of the views of NATO Secretary -General, Mark Rutte urged EU leaders to improve their relations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who have been tense for years.

This call comes while Brussels are looking for ways to deepen cooperation with Turkey and other neighbors outside the EU as part of an important aid of Europe’s defense potential.

Trump’s threat to withdraw US security guarantees to NATO European allies, along with his move to restart relations with Russia and cut support for Ukraine has also worried about EU capitals.

Along with the rush to increase defense spending, some European governments have supported cooperation in the context of a “eager coalition” with non -EU countries, such as Norway and the United Kingdom.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attended a meeting earlier this month in London, where Europe’s major military forces met to discuss support for Ukraine and the wider defense issues.

According to three people who know the discussion and talked to the FT, Route stressed the importance of increased cooperation with Turkey During a private meal with EU leaders in early February, urging attendees to work with Ankara to become a reality.

In a speech to the European Parliament in January, NATO Secretary General said: “I believe that the inclusion of allies outside the EU in the efforts of the EU E Defense Industryis vital For Europe’s security. “

Several diplomats who spoke to the FTs said that Trump’s taking of power is changing their rationale. Fidan told the FT last week when he was asked about Trump’s possible impact on Europe’s security architecture, “we are currently defining the best course of action. If it results in a new European security structure, we are ready to work together. “

A senior EU official also pointed out that “things have changed” about relations with Turkey, adding: ‘At some point, regardless of the issues between you, You have to decide who you want in your team. But they must also resolve their uncertainty about Russia. “

After the war in Ukraine, Turkey did not join the EU and other Western allies in imposing immediate sanctions in Moscow and has maintained strong economic and energy ties with Russia.

Turkey’s important weapons industry is also a factor in the broader debate among Member States on whether third -country defense companies should benefit from EU efforts to increase weapons costs.

Officials have reported that the effort to increase the commitment with Ankara also aims to bilateral relations with EU capitals. Turkey is technically candidate for EU accession, but the process It’s been a long time dyingas the FTs put it.

The block had suspended various channels of dialogue, including security and defense, partly because of increased tensions with Greece. A Greek diplomat commented that Athens is more “cautious than dogmatic” in reinforcing defense cooperation with Ankara, noting for Greece and Cyprus that “Turkey must be constructive in addressing unresolved issues with the Member States.”