Turkish President Urges EU to Acknowledge Membership Benefits
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emphasized that Türkiye’s full membership in the European Union (EU) could revitalize the bloc, stating it could provide a “lifeline” to its aging economy and workforce. Ankara’s bid for EU accession has been dormant since 2016 due to unmet standards and unresolved issues.
In a recent address following a cabinet meeting, President Erdogan asserted that Türkiye’s membership could rescue the EU from stagnation across various sectors, including defense and international standing. He underscored the mutual benefit of advancing the membership process based on respect and constructive dialogue, stressing that swift results are achievable with EU political will.
Erdogan also drew attention to the EU’s internal political challenges, noting the crisis in liberal democracy and the rise of far-right demagogues following recent electoral successes of right-wing parties. He expressed concern about anti-immigrant and Islamophobic movements in Europe, stating that Türkiye is closely monitoring these developments to safeguard Turkish citizens and other Muslim communities within the bloc.
Türkiye’s EU accession journey began with its application in 1987, achieving candidate status in 1999, and starting negotiations in 2005. However, the process has been largely stagnant since 2016 due to obstacles such as human rights concerns, democratic standards, and Cyprus-related issues.
In 2018, the EU indicated that Ankara had been moving away from European Union norms, effectively halting accession talks. President Erdogan’s recent remarks serve as a reminder of Türkiye’s persistent ambition for EU membership, highlighting potential benefits for both parties if political will is demonstrated on both sides.