Erdoğan calls on EU leaders regarding membership process: Mechanisms must be activated rapidly

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen within the scope of the NATO Leaders' Summit.

During the meeting held on the sidelines of the summit in Ankara, in addition to Turkey-EU relations, the Ukraine-Russia war, US-Iran tensions, and Israel's attacks in the region, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon, were discussed.

According to the statement from the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, Erdoğan expressed satisfaction with the increased contacts at all levels in recent times. Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey's primary expectation is the revitalization of the European Union membership process.

It was reported that Erdoğan stated that, in this context, the relevant mechanisms must be activated rapidly and the necessary meetings must be initiated as soon as possible.

CUSTOMS UNION AND SECURITY MESSAGE

Pointing out during the meeting that Turkey has been a candidate country to the EU and a member of the Customs Union for many years, Erdoğan said that Turkey has become one of Europe's important production centers through the steps taken.

Erdoğan stated that the integrated economic structure between Turkey and the EU contributes to Europe's global competitiveness, and expressed that it is a natural expectation for Turkey to be included in the new regulations planned by the EU in the fields of trade and investment.

In the meeting where defense and security topics were also on the agenda, Erdoğan noted that Turkey continues its strategic initiatives to contribute to European security. Erdoğan expressed that they expect allies to take steps in accordance with NATO law during this process.

Turkey's EU membership process has been effectively stagnant for a long time. The resolution recently adopted by the European Parliament General Assembly included the assessment that Turkey has not implemented the necessary democratic reforms and that, for this reason, the membership process remains at a standstill.

The resolution in question was adopted in the General Assembly with 381 votes in favor, against 107 "no" votes and 171 abstentions.

News Source: 12punto