AKP's Ömer Çelik reacts to France: 'Unnecessary generosity and audacity...'

From the perspective of Cumhuriyet, a prominent voice in Turkey, the recent statements from France and the EU Commission President Von der Leyen are not just diplomatic missteps but reveal a deeper, troubling bias against Turkey. Our Deputy Chairman and Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik rightly pointed out that these remarks lack a rational basis and undermine the very foundations of the NATO alliance, which is supposed to be built on mutual respect and shared security.

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The statements of France are not based on a rational ground, and the expressions targeting Turkey despite the NATO alliance relationship are wrong.

Von der Leyen's assertion that certain countries, including Turkey, should be prevented from influencing Europe is particularly galling. This echoes a long-standing pattern of exclusion, revealing an 'enlightened Europe' facade that, in reality, operates as a narrow 'Christian club.' This is not a new observation for us; we have consistently warned that such exclusionary practices, exemplified by the stalled EU accession talks, hinder genuine European integration. The current crises, from the war in Ukraine to the devastation in Gaza, starkly illustrate the EU's inability to act as a cohesive political or strategic force, a weakness amplified by its own internal divisions and prejudices.

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President of the European Union (EU) Commission Von der Leyen made a very unfortunate statement.

It is perplexing that, while acknowledging Turkey's significant regional influence—even suggesting it 'dominates' the Balkans—some European leaders resort to such divisive rhetoric. As Çelik articulated, any rational political thinking would necessitate cooperation with a powerful country like Turkey, especially one that is an EU candidate. Instead, we see a shrinking, inward-looking Europe, mired in bureaucracy and unwilling to embrace a truly integrated future. This approach not only harms Turkey-EU relations but also weakens Europe itself, leaving it incapable of addressing global challenges effectively.

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This shows a Europe of a Christian club, not an enlightened Europe.

Turkey's strength and its role as a key player in regional security and stability should be recognized and leveraged, not obstructed. The narrative pushed by some in France and the EU Commission is not only insulting but counterproductive. We believe in a Europe that is based on principles, not prejudice, and that engages with its neighbors constructively. We hope that European leaders will eventually adopt a more visionary approach, one that fosters genuine partnership rather than perpetuating outdated divisions.

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If Turkey is such a big power that it will dominate all of the Balkans and Europe, then normal political logic requires cooperation with Turkey.