Egemen Bağış calls for Türkiye to have a seat at Europe’s decision-making table

Former Turkish EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bağış has called for Türkiye to have a greater role in Europe’s decision-making processes, arguing that a country expected to shoulder a significant share of Europe’s security burden should also have a seat at the table.

Speaking at the 6th Thessaloniki Metropolitan Summit, Bağış said war had returned to Europe while instability in the Middle East, terrorism, cyber threats, migration pressures, and competition over energy and technology were reshaping the continent’s security environment.

“We do not have the luxury of treating our allies like enemies,” Bağış said, stressing that Türkiye supports a stronger Europe but that European defense cooperation should complement NATO rather than serve as an alternative to the alliance.

Bağış highlighted Türkiye’s position as one of Europe’s largest military powers, its expanding defense industry and more than seven decades of NATO experience.

“If Türkiye is expected to carry Europe’s burden, Türkiye should also have a seat at the table where decisions are made,” he said.

Addressing Türkiye-Greece relations, Bağış emphasized that the two countries are neighbors and NATO allies, arguing that their disputes should be addressed through dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect rather than confrontation.

“Türkiye and Greece are neighbors, allies, not enemies. The Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean should not be seas of tension,” he said.

Bağış also called on Europe to view Türkiye beyond the framework of EU accession negotiations and bilateral disputes, while urging Washington not to turn to Türkiye only during regional crises.

He said the transatlantic partnership should become more strategic, inclusive and united.

“We may disagree, we may argue, and at times we may disappoint each other. But we are not enemies; we are allies. Together, we are much stronger than we are apart,” Bağış said.