Recent geopolitical developments, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and shifting dynamics in the Black Sea and eastern Mediterranean regions, have brought renewed attention to Türkiye’s role within the Euro-Atlantic security architecture. As a NATO member, a key regional actor and an important partner of the EU, it exerts considerable influence across its wider neighbourhood.
This conference will examine Türkiye’s position within its regional landscape, its contribution to the Alliance and its relationship with the EU. Particular attention will be given to developments in its foreign and defence policy, its growing military and defence-industrial autonomy, as well as the implications of these trends for regional and Euro-Atlantic security.
We are honoured to welcome H.E. Ambassador Basat Öztürk, Permanent Representative of Türkiye to NATO, who will share his insights on his country’s role within the Alliance and its regional environment, as well as its contribution to collective defence and transatlantic cohesion.
We are also privileged to welcome H.E. Ambassador Selim Yenel, former Permanent Delegate of Türkiye to the EU, who will address the European dimension of his country’s foreign, security and defence policy. His intervention will explore the evolution of Türkiye-EU relations, the challenges and opportunities shaping their future trajectory, as well as the consequences for the EU’s security and defence posture.
Together, these complementary perspectives will provide a timely opportunity to reflect on the security nexus between Türkiye, NATO and the EU, and their significance for regional and Euro-Atlantic stability at a time of profound geopolitical change and increasing uncertainty.
Research lines: Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Non-Arab Muslim World
Source image: Image generated by AI
Evening conference
At the Nexus of Security: Türkiye, NATO and the European Union
H.E. Ambassador
Basat ÖZTÜRK
(Permanent Representative of Türkiye to NATO)
H.E. Ambassador (R)
Selim YENEL
(Former Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Türkiye to the EU)
Moderator: Anahita SABOURI
Language : English
Simultaneous interpretation in Dutch and French will depend on the progress of the renovation work in the Frank De Winne conference room and cannot be guaranteed at this time.
Please note that online participation will not be possible.
27 October 2026, 17:00 – 18:30
> 16:30 – Registration
> 17:00 – Conference
> 18:30 – Reception
Campus Renaissance
Rue Hobbema/Hobbemastraat, 8
1000 Brussels
1000 Brussels