Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has voiced serious concern over the future of NATO’s core principles, warning that the alliance’s values of peace and stability are being tested like never before due to the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Speaking at a dinner for NATO foreign ministers in Antalya, Fidan emphasized that NATO’s strength lies not only in its military capabilities but in its shared democratic values and collective commitment to peace. He said the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza are putting those foundations under heavy strain.
“Peace and stability the very ideals NATO was built to protect are facing severe threats,” Fidan stated, adding that growing hybrid threats and terrorism are challenging democracies across the alliance.
He called for stronger unity among allies, fairer burden-sharing, deeper defense cooperation, and a renewed commitment to innovation in military capabilities. Fidan also stressed the need to better communicate the nature of modern threats to the public, urging NATO members to make bold decisions in a fast-changing world.
The informal meeting in Antalya is a lead-up to the major NATO summit in The Hague next month, where strategic decisions on defense spending and alliance priorities are expected.
