Europe’s security unimaginable without Türkiye: President Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated Monday that Europe’s security is unimaginable without Türkiye, emphasizing that the country’s European Union (EU) membership remains a strategic priority.

Speaking at a gathering of foreign ambassadors in Ankara during an iftar meal, Erdogan underscored Türkiye’s integral role in Europe’s stability and security.

“Türkiye sees its EU membership process as a strategic priority, as it is an inseparable part of Europe,” Erdogan said. “It is becoming increasingly impossible for Europe to continue as a global actor without Türkiye taking its rightful place.”

Türkiye and the European Union

President Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s stance on EU accession, criticizing what he described as double standards by the bloc.

He argued that Türkiye has long been a significant European power and should be fully integrated into the union.

Speaking at a press conference following the party’s Central Executive Committee (MYK) meeting, ruling AK Party spokesperson Omer Celik echoed Erdogan’s sentiments, stating that “all of the EU’s ongoing problems can be solved with Türkiye.” He argued that the EU’s failure to uphold its core values has led to the rise of far-right politics in Europe, and that Türkiye’s membership would help stabilize the continent.

“Europeans remember Türkiye when it comes to security, but when we say ‘let’s share prosperity and democratic values,’ Türkiye is left out,” Celik said. “Hopefully, this time, they will engage with Türkiye comprehensively, not just on defense matters. The EU has no alternative but to cooperate with Türkiye.”

Türkiye’s role in regional stability

President Erdogan also addressed regional security challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He warned that Israel’s security cannot be guaranteed without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.

“Israel will not find the peace it seeks without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with territorial integrity based on the 1967 borders,” Erdogan said.

He criticized recent statements by Israeli officials regarding annexation efforts in the West Bank and provocations at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

“As if their calls for annexation of the West Bank were not enough, Israeli government ministers are playing with fire with provocations targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque,” he said, reiterating that Türkiye considers the site a “red line.”

UN Security Council reform

Erdogan also touched on the structure of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that an Islamic country should have veto power in the council.

“The presence of an Islamic country with veto power in the UN Security Council is no longer just a need but a necessity,” he stated.

EU’s strategic dilemma

Celik further elaborated on the geopolitical challenges facing Europe, pointing to increasing tensions between the U.S. and EU over NATO and Ukraine.

“The Ukraine-centered disputes between the U.S. administration and Europe, as well as tensions spreading to NATO and beyond, show that the post-World War II order has ended,” Celik said. “Strategic divergence is becoming more apparent.”

Celik argued that Europe’s failure to unify under its founding values and its inconsistencies in dealing with Türkiye have contributed to the bloc’s current political challenges. “The hypocrisy the EU displays on values has prevented it from opening accession negotiations with Türkiye,” he said. “As a result, far-right movements have only grown stronger.”

A call for greater cooperation

Despite these challenges, Türkiye maintains that engagement and cooperation with the EU remain the best path forward for both sides.

“If Europe establishes a proper relationship with Türkiye, it will overcome a major crisis,” Celik said. “Türkiye is already a strong European power and has a democracy that aligns with European standards. The only solution is full cooperation.”