The Role of Türkiye in Ensuring Security in Europe

English (OpenAlex)

Since the early periods, the idea of security has evolved in both societal and personal contexts. The continent of Europe has been through the Cold War, two great global wars, and all the negative effects of those conflicts. Consequently, Europe realized that guaranteeing its security through the development of a Security and Defence Policy. With the collaboration of European Union (EU) member states and third countries, the European continent is attempting to carry out this policy. This paper will investigate the contribution of Türkiye to European security, with a focus on its geographical positioning at the intersection of Europe and Asia. This study examines the role of Türkiye in European security through an explanatory qualitative approach, focusing on EU milestone documents such as parliamentary debates, Commission and Council reports, progress evaluations on Türkiye, and strategic frameworks like Agenda 2000. Rather than presenting Türkiye solely as a solution-provider, the paper investigates how Türkiye’s geographical position, NATO membership, and demographic profile interact with EU security concerns. By analyzing both opportunities and constraints, the study highlights Türkiye’s potential contributions and the institutional challenges that shape its engagement with European security governance.