Macit Karaahmetoğlu, a Member of the German Bundestag from the SPD, stated in an assessment prior to the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara that Europe's security policies cannot be considered independently of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. Karaahmetoğlu highlighted Turkey's strategic role within NATO, saying that security and democratic values must be defended together.


NATO Summit is Critically Important for Europe's Future


Macit Karaahmetoğlu, a Member of the German Bundestag from the SPD, stated that the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara is a critical turning point not only for the future of the alliance but also for the reshaping of Europe's understanding of security, its commitment to democracy, and its international partnerships.


Karaahmetoğlu expressed that the success of the summit will be measured not only by the military decisions made but also by the healthy balance established between security, the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights.


"Turkey is an Indispensable Member of NATO"


Drawing attention to Turkey's strategic position within NATO, Karaahmetoğlu made the following assessment:


"Turkey is one of NATO's indispensable members and a key player in European security. With its second-largest army in NATO, its role in combating terrorism, and its critical responsibilities in areas such as migration management and energy security, it carries significant weight for Europe's stability. Therefore, sustainable and strong cooperation with Turkey is of strategic importance not only for regional stability but also for the future of the Euro-Atlantic security architecture."


However, Karaahmetoğlu emphasized that strategic partnership does not mean disregarding the principles of democracy and the rule of law, stating that true partnership is possible on a ground where security interests and democratic values are defended together.


Emphasis on Democracy and Rule of Law


Karaahmetoğlu stated that during the period of the NATO Summit, judicial processes targeting opposition politicians, journalists, and artists in Turkey, as well as discussions regarding press and freedom of expression, have caused concern in the international public opinion.


"The voices of people demanding democracy, journalists, and those unjustly imprisoned must be heard. While conducting security cooperation, the rule of law and fundamental rights should not be left behind closed doors. These issues must be an integral part of the highest-level political contacts."


"Rule of Law Enhances Strategic Power"


Karaahmetoğlu stated that Turkey plays a critical role in many areas, from the Black Sea to the Middle East, and in migration management and energy security. He expressed that this strategic position will gain further value only through the strengthening of the rule of law internally and through a predictable, democratic approach to governance.


Karaahmetoğlu noted that Europe is currently undergoing a test of trust, not only militarily but also politically and socially, and highlighted the importance of communicating NATO's future correctly to the public.


"Citizens want to know not only about increased defense spending but also about the values these expenditures are protecting. NATO is not just a military alliance; it is the will to protect Europe's peace, freedom, democracy, and social stability."


"Security is for Protecting Democracy"


At the end of his statement, Karaahmetoğlu pointed to the fundamental choice facing Europe, emphasizing that a choice cannot be made between security and democracy.


"For me, the fundamental principle is clear: Security is not an alternative to democracy. On the contrary, security exists to protect democracy. The success of the Ankara Summit will be evaluated precisely by whether it can establish this balance."