The European Union’s top representatives debriefed its partner countries Canada, the UK, Türkiye, Norway, and Iceland on the outcomes of its emergency summit on defence and Ukraine aid through a video conference on Friday. Key leaders in attendance included Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Mjoll Frostadottir, European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas.
Speaking from Vahdettin Mansion in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also shared his message on his official X account, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, highlighted Türkiye’s critical role in European security, and its exclusion from key EU defense programs. He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to full EU membership and called for the revival of accession talks.
Türkiye’s Role in Ukraine and European Security
As the war in Ukraine enters a critical phase, Erdoğan stressed that the conflict has reached a “turning point” that could impact Europe’s security architecture. He underscored Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts, saying,
“From the very beginning, Türkiye has made sincere and intensive efforts to end the war through dialogue. We have consistently and clearly stated that a just peace will have no losers.”
While reiterating Ankara’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and independence, Erdoğan emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution. “Today, we emphasize the importance of a solid diplomatic framework where both warring parties can be at the table for a fair, lasting, and honorable peace,” he stated.
Türkiye has played a key role in mediation efforts, particularly through the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s stance on security in the region, stating, “Our efforts towards reaching an agreement that guarantees the safety of navigation in the Black Sea align with this approach.”
Criticism of EU Exclusion from Defense and Reconstruction Efforts
Despite its active role in supporting Ukraine, Erdoğan criticized the EU for excluding Türkiye from defense procurement and reconstruction programs.
“While our defense industry’s support for Ukraine and the contributions of our private sector, which has remained in the country despite wartime conditions, are evident, we find it unjustifiable that we are excluded from the European Union’s defense procurement and reconstruction programs,”
He said.
Calling for a policy shift from the EU, Erdoğan stated that
“Revising this stance is in the common interest of the European Union.”
He also emphasized that security in Europe is not limited to the EU alone:
“Let us not forget that European security is not only a matter for the EU member states. It is an issue that concerns all European allies.”
Türkiye’s NATO Role and Call for Greater Inclusion in EU Security Initiatives
As NATO’s second-largest military power after the United States, Türkiye plays a crucial role in the alliance’s security framework, contributing significantly to collective defense efforts.
“We believe that all steps regarding European security should be planned together with Türkiye, as this aligns with our mutual interests,”
He stated.
Highlighting Türkiye’s advanced defense sector, Erdoğan expressed Ankara’s willingness to contribute further:
“Our high-tech defense industry is ready to contribute to the strengthening of the defense sector. We believe that the European Defense Industry Program within the Union should be open to all European allies.”
He also called for Türkiye’s inclusion in EU programs aimed at supporting Ukraine’s post-war recovery, saying,
“It is also crucial that we participate in mechanisms such as the European Peace Facility, which aims to rebuild and revive Ukraine.”
Renewed Push for EU Membership Talks
Beyond security and defense cooperation, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s longstanding goal of full EU membership, urging the bloc to take a more strategic approach.
“We firmly maintain our goal of full membership. We expect the Union to adopt a strategic and visionary stance and, therefore, to revive our membership negotiations as soon as possible,”
He said.
Accession talks between Türkiye and the EU have remained stalled for years, but Erdoğan suggested that today’s geopolitical challenges prove the necessity of stronger cooperation. He expressed hope for further dialogue, stating,
“I hope that we will also hold all high-level meetings together at the earliest opportunity.”
A Call for Stability and Diplomacy
In his concluding remarks, Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s willingness to take an active role in future peace negotiations on Ukraine.
“We are ready to contribute in every possible way, including hosting negotiations, to establish a fair, lasting, and honorable peace in Ukraine,”
He stated.
As the EU reassesses its defense and security strategies, Türkiye’s calls for inclusion in European security structures remain a key issue in EU-Türkiye relations.
