Turkey Deemed Indispensable to Europe’s Security Architecture by Belgian Foreign Minister

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot told the Anadolu Agency that any discussion of Europe’s defence framework must include Turkey. He made the comment ahead of a Belgian economic mission to Ankara, led by Queen Mathilde, scheduled for 10-14 May and expected to bring 400 delegates from over 200 companies.

Türkiye indispensable to Europe’s security architecture, says Belgium foreign minister

Belgium and Turkey have ties dating to 19th century, when Belgium signed a friendship treaty with Ottoman Empire in 1838. Turkey’s NATO membership places it on alliance’s southeastern flank, and mediation in Ukraine conflict and stance on Middle-East tensions have reinforced its image as a “like-minded” partner championing a rules-based order.

Türkiye indispensable to Europe’s security architecture, says Belgium foreign minister

Turkey’s defence industry has expanded 300 % in the last decade, making it Belgium’s fifth-largest export market outside EU. Mission aims to sign 40 agreements covering social security, transport, port management, logistics, aerospace and defence. EU-Turkey Customs Union, signed in 1996, limits trade to industrial goods and excludes services, agriculture and dispute-resolution mechanisms.

Belgian FM calls Türkiye indispensable to Europe’s security

Prevot argued that Turkey’s geopolitical position, defence-sector growth and role as NATO’s southeastern guardian are essential for Europe’s security architecture, supply-chain resilience and broader economic development. He warned the current customs framework is outdated for challenges projected for 2026.

Belgian FM calls Türkiye indispensable to Europe’s security

Prevot stressed that Turkey should not be “contained or constrained”, emphasizing its NATO alliance and EU accession candidacy while calling for a modernised customs union that reflects today’s economic realities. EU Commissioner Dubravka Suica called Turkey a “key strategic partner”, noting its location linking Europe, Asia and the Middle East and urging deeper cooperation for regional stability.

Belgian FM calls Türkiye indispensable to Europe’s security

Prevot rejected the notion of treating Turkey like Russia or China, countering a containment narrative within some European debates.

Türkiye indispensable to Europe’s security architecture, says Belgium foreign minister

The sources give no quantitative trade data between Belgium and Turkey, nor details on the forthcoming agreements, and provide no alternative assessments of Turkey’s defence growth.

Belgian FM calls Türkiye indispensable to Europe’s security

• “There is no possibility to discuss any European security architecture without Türkiye in it,” — Maxime Prevot, Belgian Foreign Minister

Türkiye indispensable to Europe’s security architecture, says Belgium foreign minister

• “Türkiye is a NATO ally. It's also a European candidate for the accession to the EU. So of course, Türkiye has not to be contained or constrained,” — Maxime Prevot

Türkiye indispensable to Europe’s security architecture, says Belgium foreign minister

• “Talking about the defense sector, we know that in the last decade Türkiye has grown by 300%.” — Maxime Prevot

Türkiye indispensable to Europe’s security architecture, says Belgium foreign minister

The Belgian delegation will meet in Ankara 10-14 May to sign the 40 agreements and discuss modernising the EU-Turkey Customs Union. Brussels and Ankara have signalled intent to deepen cooperation in defence, digital assets, energy transition and maritime logistics, laying groundwork for continued strategic alignment.

Belgian FM calls Türkiye indispensable to Europe’s security