NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted that Russia has shaped its entire economy around a war economy, while Europe is undergoing a similar transformation. Speaking at the Defense Industry Forum of the NATO Ankara Summit, Rutte cited Turkey's defense industry model as an example in this context.
Rutte said that around 3,000 companies operating under the coordination of the Presidency of Defense Industries, which reports directly to the president in Turkey, work in close cooperation as small, medium and large-scale firms. Noting that these companies first meet Turkey's needs and then export to NATO territory and other countries, Rutte said, 'I think this is an extremely interesting model. As far as I know, some allies are also examining it to see if they can implement it in their own countries.'
The NATO Secretary General stressed that Europe is undergoing an unprecedented defense transformation since the Cold War. Rutte drew attention to the fact that Russia's entire economy is now shaped around a war economy. Pointing out that even the automotive sector in Russia is producing for the war effort, Rutte said that Europe, Canada and the US must therefore act in the same direction.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the same forum, stated that Turkey is a critical partner for NATO and European security. Von der Leyen referred to the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism and announced that 10 agreements worth a total of 100 billion euros have been signed under it.
Von der Leyen stated that the SAFE mechanism is by design open to partner countries, and that 35 percent of the cost elements can be sourced from non-EU countries, while 65 percent must be within the EU. Von der Leyen said, 'Therefore, there is an opportunity to work together with Turkey within the 35 percent portion of SAFE.'
The European Commission President noted that the projected 800 billion euro investment by 2030 depends on the member states' own decisions, and that this offers broad opportunities for close cooperation with Turkey. Von der Leyen pointed to the need for close work with Ukraine as well, saying, 'Ukraine has successfully proven this under the pressure of war in recent years.'
