Brussels: Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Rudi Kennes and Marc Botenga have expressed concern over European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's recent comments. They believe her remarks, which link Trkiye with Russia and China, could create divisions in global relations, arguing instead for the European Union's role within a multipolar world order.
According to Anadolu Agency, the remarks were made by von der Leyen during an event celebrating the 80th anniversary of the German newspaper Die Zeit in Hamburg. She emphasized her support for EU enlargement and advocated for a unified European geopolitical stance. Von der Leyen stated that the EU should aim to complete the European continent to avoid influence from Russia, Trkiye, or China, a statement that sparked controversy for grouping Trkiye with the other two nations.
The European Commission later clarified her comments, affirming that Trkiye remains an important partner for the EU. A spokesperson highlighted Ankara's contributions in areas such as migration management, economic cooperation, and strategic projects like the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor. Trkiye's role as a NATO ally and EU candidate country was also underscored, with an emphasis that the comments were meant to reflect broader geopolitical considerations, not direct equivalence among the mentioned countries.
Belgian MEP Rudi Kennes, in an exclusive interview with Anadolu, linked current geopolitical shifts to coordinated efforts by Western powers and allies to achieve strategic objectives. He suggested that von der Leyen's comments contribute to these global dynamics, where Western influence is waning in a multipolar world order. Kennes remarked on the diminishing power of Europe, noting that European leaders are increasingly reliant on the support of allies like the United States.
Marc Botenga, another Belgian lawmaker, also criticized von der Leyen, warning that her framing oversimplifies international relations and risks dividing global actors into camps of allies and adversaries. Botenga highlighted the EU's significant economic and diplomatic ties with China and ongoing engagements with Trkiye. He cautioned against a "purity test" approach in foreign policy, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of international relations that acknowledges differences without labeling countries as enemies.