Only Türkiye, its EU membership can break Europe’s economic, defense deadlock: Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Monday that only Türkiye has the capability to rescue the European Union from the “deadlock it has fallen into” regarding issues such as the economy and defense.

“It is Türkiye and its full EU membership that can save the European Union from its deadlock, ranging from the economy to defense and from politics to international standing,” Erdogan said in a televised address after a Cabinet meeting in the capital Ankara.

Türkiye can provide ‘lifeline’ to EU

Türkiye can throw a “lifeline” to the EU’s rapidly aging economy and work force, he added.

“The earlier the EU faces these realities, the better it will be for them. As always, we are eager to advance our membership process based on mutual benefit and respect, with a constructive approach,” he said.

Underlining that results can be achieved in a short time if the necessary will is shown, Erdogan said that for this purpose, the European Union and the countries that lead it should not continue insisting on mistakes.

Calling German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s visit to Türkiye earlier this month “meaningful,” Erdogan said the meeting addressed many common issues in detail, such as the fight against terrorism, irregular migration, visa issues, the defense industry, and the Turkish community in Germany.

‘Far-right demagogues’

Erdogan said liberal democracy, the “most alluring ideology” of the past century, is facing a serious crisis, and the void is being filled by “far-right demagogues,” referring to recent election wins by the far-right in Europe.

Decrying the rise of anti-immigrant and Islamophobic far-right movements in Western countries, especially in Europe, Erdogan said that in many recent elections held in these countries, the validity of his concerns has been proven.

Türkiye gives “great importance” to the peace and well-being of Turkish citizens who have been living in Europe, Erdogan said, adding that Ankara is “closely monitoring” developments to ensure that the far-right does not pose a threat to them and other Muslims.

He also touched on Israel’s ongoing genocide in Palestinian territories and said Western organizations and leaders “who watched the slaughter” of thousands of civilians in Gaza, mostly women and children, failed a test of humanity, calling Europe’s stance on the issue “biased.”