Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a sharp critique of the European Union, accusing its institutions of “strategic blindness” and asserting that the global balance of power has shifted in Ankara’s favor.
In a wide-ranging speech on the evolving world order, Erdogan emphasized that Turkey is no longer a nation whose value should only be recognized during times of crisis.
“Strategic Blindness” and Global Ambitions
Erdogan argued that the EU cannot achieve its goal of becoming a significant global actor or a “center of attraction” without granting Turkey full membership.
- The Critique: He described the EU’s current attitude as “strategic blindness,” noting that Turkey’s importance is often acknowledged only when it is “necessary” (referring to migration or security crises) and ignored otherwise.
- The Refusal: “We have never been, and will never be, a country whose door is knocked only when needed and then set aside at other times,” Erdogan stated.
A New Multipolar World
The President highlighted that the “old world” dominated exclusively by Western influence is disappearing, replaced by a rapidly evolving multipolar system.
- Shifting Poles: Erdogan noted that regional cooperation and new actors are defining the modern era.
- Turkey’s Role: He positioned Turkey as one of the strongest candidates to become a primary “pole” in this new global architecture.
The Reversal of Need
In his most direct remark regarding bilateral relations, Erdogan claimed that the power dynamic between Ankara and Brussels has flipped.
- Interdependence: “Today, Europe’s need for Turkey is greater than Turkey’s need for Europe. And this need will be even greater tomorrow,” he asserted.
- The Crossroads: Erdogan warned that European leaders face a choice: either view Turkey’s rising global weight as an opportunity to overcome their own stagnation or allow “exclusionary rhetoric” to cloud Europe’s future.
Call for Equal Relations
Concluding his address, the Turkish President expressed hope that European decision-makers would abandon “historical and political prejudices.” He called for the development of “sincere, real, and equal” relations, arguing that such a shift is in the best interest of the entire continent.
