Erdogan urges EU to avoid rhetoric that undermines Türkiye’s ‘constructive stance’

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday urged the European Union to avoid any statements or actions that could damage Ankara’s “constructive stance,” and said Brussels should instead appreciate that stance. “Let it not be forgotten that Türkiye is no longer the old Türkiye, nor is the world still confined to the sphere of influence of Western states,” Erdogan said during a national address after chairing a Cabinet meeting. He also warned the bloc that it cannot be a global actor or a center of attraction without Türkiye as a full member.

Strategic myopia

Erdogan noted that the EU’s “strategic myopia” toward Türkiye “unfortunately, persists, quite visibly” across many of the bloc’s institutions. He argued that the issue is not where Ankara stands, but where Brussels sees itself in the future. “Europe needs Türkiye more than Türkiye needs Europe,” he declared. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions over the Iran war, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the EU’s energy crisis—all of which have highlighted Türkiye’s strategic importance as an energy corridor and NATO ally.

Türkiye-EU relations

Türkiye has been an EU candidate since 1999, but accession talks have been stalled for years due to political obstacles. Ankara has grown increasingly frustrated with what it sees as double standards, particularly on visa liberalization and customs union modernization. Erdogan’s latest remarks reflect a broader shift in Turkish foreign policy: Ankara no longer sees EU membership as its only strategic option and has pursued independent policies in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. However, Türkiye remains a key partner for the EU on migration, energy security, and counter-terrorism.