Erdoğan: Aderarea Turciei la UE „nu mai este o prioritate”

Turkish President Erdoğan stated that EU membership is no longer a priority for Turkey, although the country still aims to join. He emphasized that the EU risks losing out if it continues to distance itself from Turkey, which has been a candidate since 1999. Erdoğan criticized the EU for not integrating Turkey for 53 years and mentioned that negotiations have stalled since 2016 due to concerns over democracy and human rights in Turkey. Despite the deadlock, Turkey's strategic importance to Europe has increased, particularly in security matters. Relations remain strained due to internal political issues, including recent criticisms over the arrest of Istanbul's mayor.