EU approves Switzerland for defense project while Turkey remains pending

europe - The European Union has approved Switzerland's participation in the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) defense project while NATO partner Turkey has been pending since 2021.

The European Union has approved Switzerland's participation in one of its defense projects, the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) project, which is coordinated by the Netherlands. This project aims to ensure the rapid movement of military personnel and assets between EU countries by all means of transportation - land, sea, and air - without bureaucratic impediments. Turkey's participation in this program has the potential to benefit both parties.

However, Turkey's participation is currently being blocked by veto from some countries, despite the general view that it would be a significant contribution to EU-NATO defense cooperation. The reason cited is that Turkey does not meet the criteria set for the participation of third countries. Austria was one of the countries that opposed participation from the outset. Unanimous approval from countries including Greece and the Government of Southern Cyprus is required for participation. Prior to Switzerland, the EU had also invited Norway, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to join the project.