NATO is entering a new phase, often described as "NATO 3.0," which necessitates significant cognitive and geopolitical adaptation, particularly for its European members. This evolution moves beyond the alliance's post-Cold War pivot towards non-state threats, exemplified by its invocation of Article 5 following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The current global order demands a more structured and inclusive approach to European security. Success hinges on closer cooperation not only among key European Union member states but also with non-EU members like the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Norway. An EU-centric security framework that excludes these nations risks greater rivalry and fragmentation, as demonstrated by France's previous exclusion of the UK from defense initiatives, which proved counterproductive.
The upcoming NATO summit in Ankara presents an opportunity for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security and its immediate regional environment. This moment calls for a move away from nostalgia for past iterations of NATO and a proactive approach to building a new, more comprehensive security architecture.