Turkey reacts to Cyprus' participation in the EU SAFE defense program

The European Union's SAFE program, which has a total budget of 150 billion euros, aims to enhance the defense capabilities of member states. The Republic of Cyprus has gained access to approximately 1.18 billion euros in funding through this initiative. According to reports in the Turkish newspaper Aydinlik, these funds may be allocated toward air defense systems, drones, cybersecurity, military mobility, border surveillance, and critical infrastructure protection. The Turkish press has criticized the inclusion of Cyprus, suggesting that the EU is strengthening Nicosia's role in the Eastern Mediterranean. Furthermore, the reports indicate that Turkey has submitted a request to participate in EU defense programs, which the European Commission is currently evaluating. However, the Turkish media claims that both Greece and the Republic of Cyprus have formally opposed Turkey's access to the SAFE program. These developments have sparked significant debate within Turkish media circles regarding regional security dynamics.