“Only Türkiye can save the European Union from the deadlock it has fallen into”

 

Delivering remarks following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting, President Erdoğan said: “Only Türkiye can save the European Union from the deadlock it has fallen into, ranging from economy to defense and from politics to international prestige. It is only Türkiye that can throw a lifeline to Europe, whose economy and demographic structure are aging rapidly.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a press conference following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex.

“LIBERAL DEMOCRACY HAS PLUNGED INTO A SERIOUS CRISIS”

President Erdoğan said: “We have been drawing attention, for some time now, to the rise of anti-migration and Islamophobic far-right movements in Western countries, particularly in Europe. Many recent elections have unfortunately validated our concerns. Far-right movements have become key political actors in today’s Europe.”

Noting that liberal democracy, the most alluring ideology of last century, has plunged into a serious crisis and a bottleneck, President Erdoğan stated: “Just like life, politics also does not tolerate any void. That is exactly what is occurring in the West at the present. As seen in recent elections, far-right demagogues are filling in the void that has emerged in European democracies. To this one must add the ambivalent stance the West has displayed in the face of the 471-day genocide in Gaza.”

President Erdoğan went on: “Western organizations and leaders, who watched the massacre of more than 61,000 civilians, mostly women and children, have failed the test of humanity in Gaza. This process has once again demonstrated that Western values, promoted across the world for years, do not actually aim to bring collective good to mankind.”

“IT IS ONLY TÜRKİYE AND ITS FULL MEMBERSHIP THAT CAN THROW A LIFELINE TO EUROPE”

“We value that our relations with the EU are returning to their former rhythm,” President Erdoğan pointed. “Besides the recent developments in Syria, the discussions concerning the Ukrainian war also confirm Europe’s need for Türkiye. Let me make it clear that only Türkiye can save the European Union from the deadlock it has fallen into, ranging from economy to defense and from politics to international prestige. Only Türkiye’s full membership can save the EU.”

President Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows: “It is only Türkiye and its full membership that can throw a lifeline to Europe, whose economy and demographic structure are aging rapidly. The sooner the EU faces this reality, the better off it will be. As has always been, we desire to move forward with our membership process on the basis of mutual benefit and respect in a constructive spirit. With the necessary determination, we can achieve results quickly.”

“UKRAINE MUST DEFINITELY BE INCLUDED IN THE PROCESS”

Drawing attention to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s visit to Türkiye last week and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov’s visit today, President Erdoğan said: “We attach great importance to these visits, which take place amid increased diplomatic efforts to end the war. With the motto war has no winners and peace no losers, we have always endeavored for peace since the first day of the war.”

President Erdoğan stated: “We see that a new equation is being set. We welcome in principle U.S. President Mr. Trump’s will to end the war through negotiations. The approach that seeks to end the war through negotiations coincides with the policy Türkiye has been following for four years. However, the following fact shouldn’t be neglected that the way to a lasting and just peace can be paved only through an equation whereby all relevant parties are represented. Except for the Istanbul process, all the tables set thus far excluded Russia and therefore they failed to yield the desired outcomes. In order for the new process to be successful, Ukraine must definitely be included in the process and this war must be brought to end through mutual negotiations.”

President Erdoğan further stressed: “We are ready to provide all kinds of support, including hosting the negotiations, to ensure a lasting peace. Our region is fed up with bloodshed, sufferings, and conflicts. We want this war, which has cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and caused both countries to pay a heavy price, to come to an end. As a country that has earned the trust of both countries through its balanced stance, we will do anything in our power for the establishment of a lasting and just peace.”