Ankara: The chairman of Trkiye's Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Trkiye-Europe Business Councils has criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's recent remarks linking Trkiye with Russia and China. He emphasized that Trkiye should be viewed as a strategic European partner and a future EU member, rather than a threat.
According to Anadolu Agency, Mehmet Ali Yalcindag, in a written statement, argued that the founding principles of the EU are rooted in the courage to view differences as a source of collective wisdom and prosperity, rather than threats. Yalcindag highlighted Trkiye's significant role within the NATO alliance, its deep integration through the Customs Union, and its strong interdependence in energy, migration, and security as factors that reinforce its status as a strategic European ally.
Yalcindag further elaborated that the EU was designed to establish lasting peace through economic integration and cooperation. He criticized the categorization of Trkiye alongside geopolitical adversaries, stating it reflects an unrealistic perspective. He asserted that Trkiye is an integral part of Europe's economic, security, and societal framework.
He also warned against using language driven by tactical considerations over geopolitical realities, as it may weaken Europe's strategic capacity in the long term. DEIK, through its private-sector initiative supporting Trkiye's EU membership, has highlighted the necessity for the EU to become a more autonomous actor in energy, supply chains, and security, a goal achievable with Trkiye.
Yalcindag noted that debates over EU decision-making mechanisms, especially those constrained by unanimity, underscore the need for a more agile union. He suggested that a transition to qualified majority voting and differentiated integration models could be beneficial but are hindered by the requirement for unanimous approval.
He urged for an assessment of Trkiye from the perspective of Europe's global interests in the 21st century, rather than through the narrow lens of domestic European politics. He advocated for addressing EU-Trkiye relations within the broader framework of Western democracies' future, economic integration, security cooperation, and global competition.
Yalcindag's comments followed von der Leyen's remarks at an event in Hamburg, where she spoke about EU enlargement and the need to prevent influence by Russia, Trkiye, or China.
He also mentioned more balanced views within the EU, citing European Parliament rapporteur on Trkiye, Nacho Sanchez Amor, who criticized von der Leyen's remarks as a 'geopolitically flawed analysis.' Additionally, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos emphasized Trkiye's role as a strategic partner, its position as one of the EU's largest trading partners, and its importance in Black Sea security and Ukraine context.
Yalcindag highlighted discussions at the Munich Security Conference, which underscored Trkiye's strategic importance for Europe's security architecture. He also noted Trkiye's hosting of COP31, underlining opportunities for cooperation on climate policies between Trkiye and the EU.
He concluded by advocating for a more constructive approach, positioning Trkiye as a strategic partner rather than a geopolitical threat, to advance the European Commission's goal of building a stronger and more sovereign Europe in the global order.