Story perspectives

Erdogan Seeks NATO Access, €150 B SAFE, Engine Deal

6/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Erdogan urged Turkey’s integration into structures and removal of NATO trade barriers before July 7-8 summit, said Turkey’s contributions are overlooked and noted President Donald Trump promised a gesture makes him “happy.”
Turkey seeks EU approval for €150-billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, but Greece may block consent.
The summit could deliver F110 engines for Turkey’s KAAN fighter, and Erdogan asked NATO to discuss the Iran, Ukraine and Gaza wars.

History

Historical Context

Turkey’s bid to join the EU began with the 1963 Ankara Agreement, followed by candidate status in 1999 and formal accession talks opened in October 2005. Relations soured after the 2016 coup attempt, leading the European Parliament to suspend talks in November 2016 and the EU to declare a standstill in 2018. Nonetheless, as a NATO member since 1952, Turkey still seeks deeper EU-NATO cooperation.

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Story summary

Erdogan urged Turkey’s integration into structures and removal of NATO trade barriers before July 7-8 summit, said Turkey’s contributions are overlooked and noted President Donald Trump promised a gesture makes him “happy.”
Turkey seeks EU approval for €150-billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, but Greece may block consent.
The summit could deliver F110 engines for Turkey’s KAAN fighter, and Erdogan asked NATO to discuss the Iran, Ukraine and Gaza wars.

1 / 2