Berlin and Ankara Open a New Chapter Amidst EU and Security Discussions

On Friday, November 28, 2025, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived in Berlin for his inaugural official bilateral meeting with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul. Wadephul, who assumed office in May 2025, hosted the talks at the German Foreign Office. The primary objective of this summit was to inject fresh momentum into bilateral relations. While the process of Turkey's European Union accession remains stalled, cooperation on regional security matters is visibly intensifying.

Fidan’s visit follows a series of high-level engagements between the two nations. Earlier in 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Ankara. Furthermore, Wadephul himself traveled to Ankara on October 17, 2025, where discussions focused heavily on the volatile situation in Gaza.

A cornerstone of the negotiations centered on strengthening the ties between Berlin and Ankara, alongside charting the future of Turkey's European integration, which Ankara still views as a crucial strategic ambition. Minister Wadephul emphasized the necessity of 'opening a new chapter' in the relationship, asserting that enhanced cooperation between the EU and Turkey serves Germany's national interests. Nevertheless, he was clear that the Copenhagen Criteria, particularly those pertaining to the rule of law and democratic standards, remain non-negotiable prerequisites for EU membership.

Minister Fidan voiced his administration's frustration regarding the current 'stalemate' in the accession talks. He pressed for the resumption of negotiations across various chapters while simultaneously reaffirming Ankara’s commitment to adhering to the established 'rules of the game.'

Security cooperation within Europe took center stage, with Germany strongly advocating for Turkey's inclusion in the European Security Action Framework (SAFE). Describing Turkey as an indispensable 'geostrategic partner' and a reliable NATO ally, Wadephul called for Ankara to be integrated into the SAFE program. This framework, which carries a budget of 150 billion euros, is designed to facilitate joint defense procurement. The SAFE program was formally adopted by the European Council on May 27, 2025, aiming to rapidly boost the defense readiness of member states. Fidan underscored that Turkey’s participation in the SAFE mechanism is vital for overall European security, citing the nation's significant operational experience and advanced defense industry capabilities.

Economically, the relationship continues to serve as a bedrock of cooperation, with Germany standing as Turkey's foremost trading partner within Europe. Bilateral trade volume reached $47.5 billion in 2024. The Turkish leadership has previously set a target of $60 billion in trade. Data from the first eight months of 2025 already shows Turkish exports to Germany hitting $13.1 billion, indicating robust demand for Turkish goods. Moreover, the deep societal ties are evident, given that over three million people of Turkish origin reside in Germany.

During their joint press conference, the ministers addressed ongoing regional conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the Gaza crisis. Germany extended its gratitude to Turkey for its crucial mediation efforts that helped secure a ceasefire agreement. However, more sensitive subjects, such as human rights, were notably sidestepped. This was highlighted when both ministers declined to answer a direct question posed by DW reporter Hans Brandt concerning the arrest of Fatih Altayli. The dialogue is set to continue, with the next session of the strategic dialogue mechanism scheduled for the first half of 2026.