Turkey’s foreign minister has cautioned that even a limited reduction in the United States’ role in Europe’s security system could have serious consequences if not carefully managed.
Get today's headlines by email 
Speaking at a diplomacy forum in Antalya, Hakan Fidan said discussions were ongoing among allies on how to respond to a potential shift in Washington’s commitments. He did not provide details but stressed that an uncoordinated move could destabilise existing arrangements.
“We are discussing how to manage or mitigate a possible withdrawal of the U.S. from the European security architecture,” he said. “Even a partial withdrawal would be very destructive for Europe if it is not handled in a coordinated way.”
Rising tensions within NATO
The remarks come amid growing strains within NATO, following signals from Donald Trump that the United States could scale back its involvement in the alliance.
Trump has previously threatened to withdraw from NATO altogether, particularly after disagreements with European allies over their response to tensions in the Middle East. Some member states declined to deploy naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz after the outbreak of a U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, deepening divisions within the bloc.
Relations had already been strained by other disputes, including Trump’s stated interest in acquiring Greenland, which further unsettled European partners.
According to a senior White House official cited by Reuters, the U.S. administration has also considered reducing troop deployments across Europe as part of its broader reassessment of NATO commitments.
Turkey’s concerns over EU influence
Fidan also criticised what he described as a growing tendency for European Union members within NATO to act independently of the alliance.
Turkey, while a NATO member, is not part of the EU. Fidan said some EU countries were effectively forming a “separate club” inside NATO, making decisions that could conflict with the alliance’s collective position.
“You want to be a separate EU organisation within NATO?” he said, suggesting that such dynamics could contribute to Washington distancing itself from European partners.
His comments highlight longstanding tensions between Ankara and certain EU states, particularly over defence coordination and strategic priorities within NATO.
Calls for coordination ahead of summit
Fidan urged allies to use an upcoming NATO summit in Ankara in July to rebuild relations with Washington and prepare for any changes in U.S. involvement.
He emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to avoid undermining Europe’s security structure, which has long relied heavily on American military support.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged Washington’s frustrations but noted that most European members had supported U.S. efforts in the conflict with Iran.
Despite those assurances, uncertainty over the future of U.S. engagement continues to raise concerns among allies about the stability of transatlantic defence arrangements.
Uncertain future for European security
Fidan’s warning underscores broader anxieties about the durability of Europe’s security framework at a time of geopolitical tension.
While no formal decision has been announced by Washington, the possibility of a reduced U.S. role has prompted discussions among NATO members about contingency planning and burden-sharing.
For Turkey and others, the key issue remains how to ensure that any transition—partial or otherwise—does not weaken collective defence or create gaps in security.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 April 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment