German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday commended Turkey’s decision to acquire 20 Eurofighter jets, emphasizing that the deal will enhance NATO’s collective defense posture amid Russian aggression.
However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized Merz’s position on Gaza, claiming that “over 60,000 women, children, and elderly people have been killed” by Israeli attacks, which “again struck Gaza last night.”
Merz expressed appreciation for Turkey’s contribution to achieving the October 10 ceasefire and voiced hope that Ankara would use its leverage to convince Hamas to advance to the truce’s second phase, stressing the fragile state of the situation.
According to a Turkish defense source, Ankara is seeking Germany’s backing to join the EU’s 150-billion-euro ($176-billion) Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, despite Greece’s objections. While Turkey meets the eligibility criteria, the initiative requires approval from all 27 EU member states.
Germany has signaled potential support for Turkey’s participation, viewing it as a step toward closer defense cooperation. In parallel, Berlin is pushing for stronger collaboration with Ankara on migration management, including the return of rejected asylum seekers and the resumption of deportations to Syria.
Turkey’s ties with Damascus could prove useful to Germany’s efforts, as Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made his first trip to Syria on Thursday, meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss regional security and repatriation frameworks.
