Turkey warns EU of vulnerability without its inclusion on Europe Day
On May 9, Europe Day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a statement asserting that Turkey remains an “essential and indispensable” part of Europe’s future. He said a European architecture that excludes Turkey would be “incomplete and vulnerable” in managing current crises, including wars, political tensions and economic challenges.
Erdoğan emphasized that the EU’s need for Turkey exceeds Turkey’s need for the bloc and will grow, urging a “win‑win” relationship and full‑membership perspective. The remarks came amid stalled accession talks since 2005, lingering disputes over Cyprus, concerns about democratic backsliding, and recent criticism from EU leaders. Turkey highlighted its role in regional security, migration, trade (currently about $250 billion, potentially $500 billion if the customs union is updated), and diplomatic efforts in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Balkans.
The message reflects ongoing friction in EU‑Turkey ties, with both sides balancing strategic interests against political and rule‑of‑law concerns.