On Tuesday, 17 December, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated his country’s ambition to become a member of the EU, even though accession negotiations are frozen due to the state of the rule of law in the country.
“European Union membership remains a strategic goal for Turkey. It is clear that our membership will make significant contributions not only to our country but also to the Union,” he stressed during a press briefing with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Ankara. He said that he expects a new vision from the European Commission to further strengthen Turkey’s membership perspective (see other news). According to the [Turkish] president, “Turkey and the European Union need a stronger and more institutionalised relationship than ever before.” As a result, he hoped that a Turkey–EU summit would be held “as soon as possible”.
According to Mr Erdoğan, 2024 saw an intensification of contact between Turkey and the EU and its Member States. “We can advance our cooperation with a win-win formula and on the basis of mutual respect,” the president added. He felt that common interests should not be captive to the limited agendas of certain members—implying Cyprus, without naming it.
“Our relationship is as rich as it is complex. But one thing is clear: it is moving forward,” emphasised Mrs von der Leyen. She announced that a new high-level dialogue on the economy was being opened and that the EU was studying the possibilities of renewing its engagement with the European Investment Bank in Turkey.
Although pleased to resume discussions on a modernised customs union, Mrs von der Leyen did warn, “[P]rogress will require stronger efforts.” She went on to add, “Specifically, we need to address a number of trade barriers,” and announced that she had asked European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič to immediately work with Ankara on this issue.
Mr Erdoğan also hoped for progress to be made in the process towards visa liberalisation.
Mrs von der Leyen also stressed the importance of reestablishing negotiations with Cyprus within the UN framework.
She also highlighted the part Turkey has played in welcoming millions of Syrian refugees (see other news). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)