Turkey did not support NATO's €27 billion pipeline modernization project
Turkey has refused to support a NATO project to modernize the network of military pipelines, valued at 27 billion euros. Ankara did not approve the agreement during a meeting of representatives from the 32 Alliance member states last week, according to “European Truth,” citing two NATO diplomats.
According to the sources, the Alliance countries had previously reached a preliminary compromise on the project. Turkey insists that its own projects be given priority in funding. Ankara has made it clear that it will not give the “green light” to the proposal unless 21 projects on Turkish territory are considered for expedited funding.
The agreement is intended to expand the Cold War-era pipeline network from Western Europe to new NATO member states in the east and north. The project is part of the Alliance’s broader efforts to prepare for a possible war with Russia—an aggressor state.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated at the Alliance’s leaders’ summit in Ankara this month that the agreement is inevitable. “While allies continue to work out the details, we know that these investments totaling 27 billion euros will modernize our existing fuel storage and distribution infrastructure,” he told reporters.
Previously, NATO member states had disagreements over the high cost of the initiative, which diplomats call the most expensive jointly funded project in the Alliance’s history. Some countries also feared that the agreement would tie them to fuel projects for decades. Subsequently, the capitals agreed to withdraw their objections, as countries on the eastern flank are actively lobbying for an agreement to be reached as soon as possible.
According to one diplomat, Turkey’s position could delay the agreement on expanding the pipeline network until September, when NATO ambassadors reconvene after the summer break.
