Türkiye and Europe at a Strategic Crossroads: Towards a Common Future

In an era of profound geopolitical upheaval and sharpening rivalries, this session will examine the critical juncture at which Türkiye and Europe stand. In his address to the IIEA, His Excellency Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, will set out Türkiye’s vision for a reinvigorated strategic partnership with the European Union. He will address the future of enlargement, defense and security cooperation, trade, and energy security as well as the wider regional challenges that define the European and global landscape. The discussion will underscore Türkiye’s pivotal role as a strategic partner and the urgent need for Europe and Türkiye to forge a common strategic horizon grounded in stability, resilience, and shared interests. Speaker bio: Hakan Fidan has been the Minister of Foreign Affairs since the presidential elections in May 2023. Prior to his current role, Minister Fidan held critical positions in the state administration in foreign policy and security domains. He served as the President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, Deputy Undersecretary responsible for foreign policy and security issues at the Prime Ministry, Board Member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Undersecretary/Director of the National Intelligence Organization, and Special Representative of the President. Having graduated from the Turkish Military Academy and the Land Forces Language School, Minister Fidan pursued a significant part of his academic studies during his service in the Turkish Armed Forces. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland University College and master's and doctoral degrees from the Department of International Relations at Bilkent University. Following his service in the Turkish Armed Forces, Minister Fidan lectured in the field of international relations at Hacettepe University and Bilkent University.