**Brussels, Belgium** – In a significant development for European defence initiatives, a key committee within the European Parliament has voted to preclude Turkey from participating in defence-related research and innovation under the forthcoming Horizon Europe programme. The decision, spearheaded by Cypriot Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Costas Mavrides, aims to safeguard sensitive defence sectors by limiting involvement to nations demonstrably aligned with the European Union's strategic interests and foundational principles.
The amendment, adopted by the European Parliament's committee on defence and security on Tuesday, specifically targets the 2028–2034 iteration of the Horizon Europe programme. This landmark decision marks the first instance where defence will be recognised as an eligible priority within the EU's flagship research and innovation framework. The vote saw overwhelming support, with 29 members in favour, five opposing, and a single abstention, underscoring a broad consensus on the necessity of restricting access to defence-related funding.
MEP Mavrides articulated the rationale behind the proposal, stating, "My priority was to ensure that only countries that do not go against the interests of the EU and the member states and that respect good neighbourly relations and international law can participate in defence matters." This assertion highlights a prevailing sentiment within certain EU circles that participation in critical defence programmes should be contingent upon adherence to established international norms and a commitment to amicable bilateral relations. The exclusion of Turkey from these future defence-focused research endeavours is a clear signal that the EU is seeking to solidify its defence capabilities with partners who share its values and geopolitical outlook.
The context for this decision is deeply rooted in the ongoing geopolitical tensions and divergent foreign policy approaches that have characterised the relationship between the EU, its member states, and Turkey in recent years. Issues such as maritime disputes, regional security concerns, and differing stances on international law have contributed to a perception among some European policymakers that Turkey's actions are not always conducive to EU interests. Mavrides further elaborated on this point, asserting, "In a European defence union, countries that are hostile to the EU and the member states cannot participate." While "hostile" is a strong term, it reflects a concern about nations whose policies or actions are perceived as undermining the security or stability of the Union and its members.
The Horizon Europe programme is the EU's primary instrument for funding research and innovation, with a substantial budget allocated to fostering scientific advancement and technological development across a wide array of sectors. By explicitly including defence as an eligible area for the upcoming programme cycle, the EU signals its ambition to bolster its own defence capabilities and reduce reliance on external partners for critical technologies. The exclusion of Turkey from this specific facet of the programme, therefore, has tangible implications for its potential involvement in future European defence-related technological advancements and collaborative projects.
This decision by the parliamentary committee is expected to be a significant factor in the broader discussions surrounding the future architecture of European defence cooperation. It underscores a strategic imperative within the EU to cultivate a secure and reliable defence ecosystem, prioritising collaboration with nations that consistently uphold democratic values, respect international law, and foster positive neighbourly relations. The exclusion of Turkey from this specific funding stream suggests a deliberate effort by the EU to create a more cohesive and aligned defence research environment, thereby strengthening its own strategic autonomy and security posture in an increasingly complex global landscape. The full Parliament will now deliberate on this amendment, with its adoption likely to shape the future trajectory of EU defence research funding.