EU's Kallas: Israeli actions undermine two-state solution, Türkiye key partner

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday that Israeli actions and settlement activities are making the two-state solution increasingly difficult to achieve, while underlining Türkiye's strategic importance in regional security, migration, and defence cooperation. Speaking to Anadolu ahead of her June 29-30 visit to Türkiye, Kallas said she would travel together with European commissioners responsible for enlargement and migration due to the country's central role in a range of geopolitical issues.

Türkiye’s strategic role

“Türkiye is a partner of strategic importance,” Kallas said, citing cooperation on migration, regional stability, and security. She noted that Türkiye also plays an important role in the Middle East and the Caucasus and is an essential partner on connectivity and broader regional issues. She described Türkiye as “the second biggest army in NATO” with “a very strong defence industry,” adding that Ankara has “a very, very prominent role” in European security and regional stability.

Middle East, Cyprus, and NATO unity

On the Middle East, Kallas said Europe remains a strong supporter of both Palestinians and a two-state solution, but that “violent settlers and settlements are actually making it impossible.” On Cyprus, she expressed support for UN mediation efforts. Regarding the NATO summit in Ankara, Kallas stressed that unity among allies is more important than ever. She rejected the idea of a separate European army, saying EU members already have national militaries that form part of NATO’s broader structure. She also highlighted lessons from Ukraine on drone defence and emerging military technologies.