Türkiye calls on EU to show political will for membership process

Türkiye has called on European Union members to revive political determination for advancing its accession process, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasizing that concrete steps must now come from Brussels. During discussions with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, the minister stated that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has unequivocally communicated Ankara's commitment to joining the European bloc.

EU accession process

Minister Fidan stressed that demonstrating "political will in Europe" toward Türkiye's membership would facilitate resolving outstanding issues in the negotiation process. He expressed Ankara's continued desire for full EU integration and expectation of objective advancement through the opening of additional negotiation chapters. The foreign minister attributed previous impediments to political stances adopted by certain member states rather than technical considerations or compliance criteria.

Ukraine peace efforts

Addressing international diplomacy, Fidan observed that both Russia and Ukraine currently display greater readiness for peace discussions compared to earlier conflict stages. He revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to accept a ceasefire and comprehensive peace agreement under specific conditions, with these proposals communicated to Ukrainian authorities. The minister noted Ankara's engagement with certain aspects of these diplomatic initiatives while maintaining dialogue with Moscow despite occasional differences.

Regional security architecture

Regarding European security frameworks, Fidan highlighted three crucial components: the existing NATO foundation, requirements for strengthening European defense industries exposed as inadequate during the Ukraine conflict, and ongoing deliberations about future American engagement in European security. He suggested that nations including the UK, France, Germany, Türkiye, and Italy should help shape this evolving security discussion. The minister also addressed Syria's gradual recovery from conflict, noting approximately 500,000 Syrians have voluntarily returned from Türkiye to their homeland.