Türkiye Reaffirms EU Bid as Strategic Goal
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to joining the European Union, declaring it a “strategic goal” for the country. During a press conference with Estonian counterpart Alar Karis in Ankara on June 27, Erdoğan emphasized the importance of EU-Türkiye relations.
Despite the stalled accession process since 2016, Erdoğan brought attention back to Türkiye’s EU bid by linking it to Sweden’s NATO bid. The formal negotiations, which began in 2005, have been suspended due to Türkiye’s inability to meet membership criteria.
Erdoğan and Karis discussed enhancing bilateral relations by increasing trade volume, boosting investments, and expanding collaboration in various sectors. They also highlighted the need to strengthen defense industry cooperation as NATO allies.
Türkiye calls for a fair and honest approach from the EU towards Ankara. Erdoğan emphasized the mutual benefits of closer ties in science, technology, education, culture, and tourism.