Titolo completo

Unlocking Strategic Potential Outside the EU: Italy-Turkey Bilateral Partnership in Defence

This paper analyses the evolving Italy-Turkey partnership in the field of defence within the broader framework of NATO and the European Union. In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing instability in the Middle East, Italy – particularly in its role within the “Enlarged Mediterranean” – has reinforced its commitment to Euro-Atlantic security, positioning itself within both NATO structures and the EU’s ongoing efforts to enhance its defence capabilities. Turkey occupies an ambiguous position: while remaining a key NATO ally, it is largely excluded from emerging EU defence initiatives. The EU’s limited willingness to structurally engage Ankara has created a structural gap between European defence integration and NATO’s southern flank, prompting Italy to explore bilateral cooperation as a complementary channel. The paper argues that Italy-Turkey relations thus reflect a triangular balancing act between national interests, NATO commitments and the evolving architecture of EU defence.