Greece blocked it, Turkey could not join the major project

Turkey is unable to join the European Union's 150 billion euro Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defense fund. Ankara could not complete its application by the November 30 deadline, which resulted in Turkey remaining outside the fund. The European Commission stated that the applications of Turkey and South Korea are still in the evaluation stage but will not be concluded in time.

Greece and Southern Cyprus played a significant role in ensuring Turkey was not included in the SAFE fund. Germany, on the other hand, was among the countries that supported Turkey's participation in the program. German Foreign Affairs Committee member Johannes Wadephul emphasized in his meeting with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan that the participation of Turkey and the UK in SAFE is important.

TURKEY'S APPLICATION FACED OBSTACLES

European Union officials had previously anticipated that Turkey's application could be vetoed by Greece and Southern Cyprus. For this reason, the application was not forwarded to member states for approval. Although Turkey cannot participate directly in the SAFE fund, it can take part in bilateral defense projects with EU countries. However, the share for third countries in projects funded by SAFE is limited to 35 percent.

THE UK'S PARTICIPATION ALSO FAILED

The 19 member states that will participate in SAFE are continuing their preparations to present their national programs. However, the UK's participation did not materialize because London did not accept the EU's financial demands. While the EU requested a contribution of up to 6.75 billion euros from the UK, the UK only offered 82 million euros. This offer was rejected by the member states.

As a result, Turkey and the UK are among the countries that will not be able to join the SAFE fund.