Türkiye is the only country capable of pulling the European Union out of its current deadlock, particularly in areas like the economy and defense, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated on Monday.
“Türkiye and its full EU membership can rescue the European Union from its impasse, from the economy to defense and from politics to global influence,” Erdoğan declared in a televised speech following a Cabinet meeting in Ankara.
Türkiye: A “Lifeline” for the EU Economy
Emphasizing the EU’s aging workforce and economic struggles, Erdoğan asserted that Türkiye could serve as a lifeline for the bloc.
“The sooner the EU acknowledges this reality, the better for them,” he noted, reaffirming Türkiye’s willingness to progress in its membership process through a mutually beneficial and respectful approach.
However, Erdoğan stressed that progress could only be made if the European Union and its key decision-makers abandon past mistakes and approach the issue with genuine commitment.
Germany-Türkiye Relations: A Step Forward?
Referencing German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s recent visit to Türkiye, Erdoğan described the discussions as “meaningful”, covering critical topics such as:
- Counterterrorism efforts
- Irregular migration policies
- Visa restrictions
- Defense industry collaborations
- The Turkish diaspora in Germany
The Rise of the Far Right in Europe
Erdoğan also warned that liberal democracy, once the dominant ideology of the past century, is now in crisis—a vacuum increasingly filled by far-right movements.
He criticized the growing wave of anti-immigrant and Islamophobic sentiments in Europe, linking them to recent election victories of far-right parties.
“These concerns are no longer theoretical—recent elections have confirmed their validity,” Erdoğan stated, underlining that Türkiye is closely monitoring these developments to protect Turkish citizens and other Muslim communities in Europe.
Criticism of Europe’s Stance on Gaza Conflict
Turning to the Israel-Palestine crisis, Erdoğan condemned what he called Western inaction in the face of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
“Western leaders and organizations who stood by as thousands of civilians—mostly women and children—were massacred have failed a fundamental test of humanity,” he asserted, accusing European nations of displaying a biased stance on the conflict.