Erdoğan to EU: Revitalize Turkey's Accession Process

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called on the European Union to breathe new life into Turkey's long-stalled membership process, stating it is Ankara's primary expectation. The call came during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel at the presidential complex in Turkey.

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The revitalization of Turkey's accession process to the European Union is a primary expectation of Ankara.

The discussions covered the spectrum of Turkey-EU relations, alongside pressing regional and international matters. Erdoğan expressed satisfaction with the increased engagement between Turkey and the EU at various levels. He stressed that reactivating the accession path requires the activation of relevant mechanisms and the initiation of necessary meetings.

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For this process to advance, it is necessary to activate the relevant mechanisms and start the necessary meetings.

Reminding the EU officials that Turkey has been a candidate country for many years and is part of the Customs Union, Erdoğan underscored Turkey's evolution into a vital production center for the European market. He argued that the close economic ties between Turkey and Europe enhance the EU's overall competitiveness on the global stage. Consequently, Ankara anticipates that new EU regulations concerning trade and investments will incorporate Turkey.

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Turkey has evolved into a significant production center for the European market.

Beyond economic ties, Erdoğan addressed European security, noting Turkey's initiatives that contribute to regional stability. He also called for reciprocal actions from NATO allies that align with the alliance's spirit and principles. The meeting also touched upon Turkey's diplomatic efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts and crises in the region, including the war in Ukraine, tensions between the United States and Iran, and the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.

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Ankara expects new EU regulations in the trade and investment sectors to include Turkey.