Recent events
tr46Turkey's state trusteeship over private companies reaches record scale, raising investment concerns
Turkey's use of court-appointed trustees to oversee private companies has expanded to over 1,100 firms, with the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) controlling assets approaching 1 trillion lira and employing nearly 50,000 people. The system, initially built against Gülen movement assets, is now deployed against political opponents like jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, whose construction company was seized in March 2025 and 52 connected companies placed under trusteeship by June 2025. Critics warn the practice undermines property rights and judicial independence, potentially deterring foreign investment including BYD's planned manufacturing project.
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Turkey's state trusteeship over private companies reaches record scale, raising investment concerns
Turkey's use of court-appointed trustees to oversee private companies has expanded to over 1,100 firms, with the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) controlling assets approaching 1 trillion lira and employing nearly 50,000 people. The system, initially built against Gülen movement assets, is now deployed against political opponents like jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, whose construction company was seized in March 2025 and 52 connected companies placed under trusteeship by June 2025. Critics warn the practice undermines property rights and judicial independence, potentially deterring foreign investment including BYD's planned manufacturing project.
Turkey's use of court-appointed trustees to oversee private companies has expanded to over 1,100 firms, with the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) controlling assets approaching 1 trillion lira and employing nearly 50,000 people. The system, initially built against Gülen movement assets, is now deployed against political opponents like jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, whose construction company was seized in March 2025 and 52 connected companies placed under trusteeship by June 2025. Critics warn the practice undermines property rights and judicial independence, potentially deterring foreign investment including BYD's planned manufacturing project.
tr46Turkey to lead NATO-backed Black Sea maritime security initiative for Ukraine
Turkey is establishing a Maritime Component Command in Istanbul's Beykoz district as part of the 'Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine,' a 33-country multinational framework preparing postwar security arrangements. Defense Minister Yaşar Güler's letter reveals Turkey will lead maritime security operations in the Black Sea while respecting the Montreux Convention. This marks a significant shift from Ankara's longstanding policy of limiting foreign military involvement in the Black Sea. The initiative includes a core Turkish staff established in August 2025, with 14 countries contributing to the command structure. Critics question whether the project, despite being under Turkish command, effectively integrates with NATO planning and could strain relations with Russia.
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Turkey to lead NATO-backed Black Sea maritime security initiative for Ukraine
Turkey is establishing a Maritime Component Command in Istanbul's Beykoz district as part of the 'Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine,' a 33-country multinational framework preparing postwar security arrangements. Defense Minister Yaşar Güler's letter reveals Turkey will lead maritime security operations in the Black Sea while respecting the Montreux Convention. This marks a significant shift from Ankara's longstanding policy of limiting foreign military involvement in the Black Sea. The initiative includes a core Turkish staff established in August 2025, with 14 countries contributing to the command structure. Critics question whether the project, despite being under Turkish command, effectively integrates with NATO planning and could strain relations with Russia.
Turkey is establishing a Maritime Component Command in Istanbul's Beykoz district as part of the 'Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine,' a 33-country multinational framework preparing postwar security arrangements. Defense Minister Yaşar Güler's letter reveals Turkey will lead maritime security operations in the Black Sea while respecting the Montreux Convention. This marks a significant shift from Ankara's longstanding policy of limiting foreign military involvement in the Black Sea. The initiative includes a core Turkish staff established in August 2025, with 14 countries contributing to the command structure. Critics question whether the project, despite being under Turkish command, effectively integrates with NATO planning and could strain relations with Russia.
tr45Turkey excluded from G7 summit guest list amid trust deficit with West
Turkey was notably absent from the guest list of the G7 summit in Evian, France, while other middle powers such as India, Brazil, South Korea, Kenya, and Egypt were invited. The exclusion reflects a growing trust deficit in Western capitals due to concerns over democratic backsliding, unpredictability in foreign policy, and the S-400 crisis. Despite Turkey's strategic importance in NATO and the Ukraine war, its geopolitical power is not translating into political influence, and its democratic decline is harming its international image.
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Turkey excluded from G7 summit guest list amid trust deficit with West
Turkey was notably absent from the guest list of the G7 summit in Evian, France, while other middle powers such as India, Brazil, South Korea, Kenya, and Egypt were invited. The exclusion reflects a growing trust deficit in Western capitals due to concerns over democratic backsliding, unpredictability in foreign policy, and the S-400 crisis. Despite Turkey's strategic importance in NATO and the Ukraine war, its geopolitical power is not translating into political influence, and its democratic decline is harming its international image.
Turkey was notably absent from the guest list of the G7 summit in Evian, France, while other middle powers such as India, Brazil, South Korea, Kenya, and Egypt were invited. The exclusion reflects a growing trust deficit in Western capitals due to concerns over democratic backsliding, unpredictability in foreign policy, and the S-400 crisis. Despite Turkey's strategic importance in NATO and the Ukraine war, its geopolitical power is not translating into political influence, and its democratic decline is harming its international image.
tr44Turkey and Saudi Arabia lead Muslim condemnation of Israeli settler arson attacks on West Bank mosques
Foreign ministers from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Egypt jointly condemned Israeli settler arson attacks on two mosques in the occupied West Bank villages of Jiljiliya and Mazari an-Nubani. They held Israel responsible as the occupying power. The attacks, which included graffiti from the radical Hilltop Youth group, occurred amid increased settler violence since October 2023.
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Turkey and Saudi Arabia lead Muslim condemnation of Israeli settler arson attacks on West Bank mosques
Foreign ministers from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Egypt jointly condemned Israeli settler arson attacks on two mosques in the occupied West Bank villages of Jiljiliya and Mazari an-Nubani. They held Israel responsible as the occupying power. The attacks, which included graffiti from the radical Hilltop Youth group, occurred amid increased settler violence since October 2023.
Foreign ministers from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Egypt jointly condemned Israeli settler arson attacks on two mosques in the occupied West Bank villages of Jiljiliya and Mazari an-Nubani. They held Israel responsible as the occupying power. The attacks, which included graffiti from the radical Hilltop Youth group, occurred amid increased settler violence since October 2023.
tr44European Parliament Accuses Turkey of Transnational Repression and Propaganda in Europe
The European Parliament's 2025 report on Turkey strongly criticizes Ankara for transnational repression, political interference in EU member states, and using state-run Anadolu news agency for propaganda. It condemns the targeting of Turkish diaspora, the Grey Wolves ultranationalist movement, and support for Muslim Brotherhood affiliates. The report also highlights Turkey's misuse of INTERPOL mechanisms, forced returns of dissidents, and broader democratic backsliding, signaling growing EU concern over Ankara's extraterritorial activities.
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European Parliament Accuses Turkey of Transnational Repression and Propaganda in Europe
The European Parliament's 2025 report on Turkey strongly criticizes Ankara for transnational repression, political interference in EU member states, and using state-run Anadolu news agency for propaganda. It condemns the targeting of Turkish diaspora, the Grey Wolves ultranationalist movement, and support for Muslim Brotherhood affiliates. The report also highlights Turkey's misuse of INTERPOL mechanisms, forced returns of dissidents, and broader democratic backsliding, signaling growing EU concern over Ankara's extraterritorial activities.
The European Parliament's 2025 report on Turkey strongly criticizes Ankara for transnational repression, political interference in EU member states, and using state-run Anadolu news agency for propaganda. It condemns the targeting of Turkish diaspora, the Grey Wolves ultranationalist movement, and support for Muslim Brotherhood affiliates. The report also highlights Turkey's misuse of INTERPOL mechanisms, forced returns of dissidents, and broader democratic backsliding, signaling growing EU concern over Ankara's extraterritorial activities.
tr43Turkey's FM says Russia's Ukraine stance unchanged after Moscow visit, offers to host peace talks
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Russia for two days, meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and other senior officials. After the talks, he stated that Russia's position on Ukraine remains unchanged, insisting on resolving the 'Donetsk issue' before any settlement. Fidan expressed concern over the recent escalation in the war, including increased attacks on civilians and threats to Black Sea navigation, and called for de-escalatory measures. Turkey reiterated its readiness to host future peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, positioning itself as a potential mediator.
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Turkey's FM says Russia's Ukraine stance unchanged after Moscow visit, offers to host peace talks
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Russia for two days, meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and other senior officials. After the talks, he stated that Russia's position on Ukraine remains unchanged, insisting on resolving the 'Donetsk issue' before any settlement. Fidan expressed concern over the recent escalation in the war, including increased attacks on civilians and threats to Black Sea navigation, and called for de-escalatory measures. Turkey reiterated its readiness to host future peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, positioning itself as a potential mediator.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Russia for two days, meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and other senior officials. After the talks, he stated that Russia's position on Ukraine remains unchanged, insisting on resolving the 'Donetsk issue' before any settlement. Fidan expressed concern over the recent escalation in the war, including increased attacks on civilians and threats to Black Sea navigation, and called for de-escalatory measures. Turkey reiterated its readiness to host future peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, positioning itself as a potential mediator.
tr43NATO deploys SAMP/T in Turkey; Turkey tests domestic Siper system
Background: Italy and Türkiye have been deepening defense industrial cooperation, including potential TB3 drone integration and SAMP/T co-production. Today, Italy completed deployment of the SAMP/T air defense system at Konya's Third Main Jet Base as part of NATO's permanent defense plan, amid heightened security following the U.S.-Israel-Iran war. Separately, Turkey successfully tested its domestically developed Siper air defense system, which destroyed a Super Lightning drone, as part of the Steel Dome project to enhance multi-layered air and missile defense capacity.
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NATO deploys SAMP/T in Turkey; Turkey tests domestic Siper system
Background: Italy and Türkiye have been deepening defense industrial cooperation, including potential TB3 drone integration and SAMP/T co-production. Today, Italy completed deployment of the SAMP/T air defense system at Konya's Third Main Jet Base as part of NATO's permanent defense plan, amid heightened security following the U.S.-Israel-Iran war. Separately, Turkey successfully tested its domestically developed Siper air defense system, which destroyed a Super Lightning drone, as part of the Steel Dome project to enhance multi-layered air and missile defense capacity.
Background: Italy and Türkiye have been deepening defense industrial cooperation, including potential TB3 drone integration and SAMP/T co-production. Today, Italy completed deployment of the SAMP/T air defense system at Konya's Third Main Jet Base as part of NATO's permanent defense plan, amid heightened security following the U.S.-Israel-Iran war. Separately, Turkey successfully tested its domestically developed Siper air defense system, which destroyed a Super Lightning drone, as part of the Steel Dome project to enhance multi-layered air and missile defense capacity.
tr41Turkish FM says Europe relies on Türkiye for NATO's future, discusses Russia visit and regional issues
Background: Turkey is hosting the NATO summit in Ankara on July 6-7, 2026, with agenda covering alliance solidarity, defense industrial cooperation, Middle East security, Black Sea security, and Turkey's role in NATO's eastern and southern flanks. Today: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that European NATO members trust Türkiye and President Erdoğan to manage the upcoming NATO summit, and that Türkiye acts as an anchor country within the alliance, forming its own opinions separately from other members. He also discussed his recent visit to Russia, where he met Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin, describing the visit as fruitful and noting no change in Turkish-Russian relations. Fidan commented on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, regional cooperation in the South Caucasus, normalization with Armenia, and the US-Iran deal, stating that an agreement in principle has been reached but technical issues remain unresolved. He also criticized Israel's regional policies and discussed efforts for a second phase of Gaza cease-fire negotiations involving Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT).
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Turkish FM says Europe relies on Türkiye for NATO's future, discusses Russia visit and regional issues
Background: Turkey is hosting the NATO summit in Ankara on July 6-7, 2026, with agenda covering alliance solidarity, defense industrial cooperation, Middle East security, Black Sea security, and Turkey's role in NATO's eastern and southern flanks. Today: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that European NATO members trust Türkiye and President Erdoğan to manage the upcoming NATO summit, and that Türkiye acts as an anchor country within the alliance, forming its own opinions separately from other members. He also discussed his recent visit to Russia, where he met Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin, describing the visit as fruitful and noting no change in Turkish-Russian relations. Fidan commented on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, regional cooperation in the South Caucasus, normalization with Armenia, and the US-Iran deal, stating that an agreement in principle has been reached but technical issues remain unresolved. He also criticized Israel's regional policies and discussed efforts for a second phase of Gaza cease-fire negotiations involving Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT).
Background: Turkey is hosting the NATO summit in Ankara on July 6-7, 2026, with agenda covering alliance solidarity, defense industrial cooperation, Middle East security, Black Sea security, and Turkey's role in NATO's eastern and southern flanks. Today: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that European NATO members trust Türkiye and President Erdoğan to manage the upcoming NATO summit, and that Türkiye acts as an anchor country within the alliance, forming its own opinions separately from other members. He also discussed his recent visit to Russia, where he met Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin, describing the visit as fruitful and noting no change in Turkish-Russian relations. Fidan commented on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, regional cooperation in the South Caucasus, normalization with Armenia, and the US-Iran deal, stating that an agreement in principle has been reached but technical issues remain unresolved. He also criticized Israel's regional policies and discussed efforts for a second phase of Gaza cease-fire negotiations involving Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT).