Türkiye suspends participation in European Conventional Forces Treaty

Turkey has joined other NATO allies in suspending its participation in the Convention on Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE).

Bloomberg reports.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed a corresponding decree.

According to the decree, starting April 8, 2024, Turkey will suspend its obligations under arms treaties that impose restrictions on conventional military equipment in Europe.

The CFE Treaty was concluded during the Cold War era, when conflicts between Western countries and the Soviet Union continued.

flag of Türkiye

The decision puts Turkey on par with similar moves by the United States, Britain, Germany and other NATO members in response to Russia’s withdrawal from the treaty last November.

At the time, the United States said its decision would strengthen the alliance’s deterrence and defense capabilities by lifting restrictions affecting military planning.

Last fall, NATO countries decided to suspend their participation in the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe. The decision came after Russia announced its final withdrawal from the treaty.

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A subsequent statement from the alliance stressed that Russia’s withdrawal from the CFE Treaty was “the latest in a series of actions that systematically undermine Euro-Atlantic security.”

They also pointed out that Russia continues to ignore arms control and undermine the rules of the international order.

On November 7, 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation reported that Russia has finally withdrawn from the Convention on Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE).

It is noteworthy that Russia’s participation in the treaty was suspended in July 2007 by a presidential decree of the aggressor state, and a corresponding law was passed on November 29, 2007.