Turkish FM: Germany’s Support Revives Turkey’s EU Membership Bid

Ankara (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan mentioned that he thought there could be “new progress” in Ankara’s efforts to join the European Union, referencing recent statements from Germany’s chancellor. 

During a live broadcast on A News, he praised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s remarks supporting Turkey’s EU membership. He described them as

“an important renewal of political will.”

“I believe there will be new progress with the European Union in this period,”

he stated,

adding,

“For the German chancellor to state publicly in Ankara that Germany wants Turkey in the EU is a significant renewal of political will. The fact that this comes from Germany is important, and we value it.”

What reforms does Berlin expect from Turkey before accession?

Last month, Friedrich Merz called Turkey a key ally for the European Union.

“I personally, and the German government, see Turkey as a close partner of the European Union. We want to continue smoothing the way to Europe,”

Merz expressed at a joint news conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

Merz stated that Berlin supports Turkey’s EU bid but highlighted the importance of democratic reforms and judicial independence. He mentioned worries about recent decisions that do not meet EU standards. 

“There have been decisions in Turkey that do not yet fully meet the standards of the Copenhagen criteria,”

Merz said. 

Answering a query about Turkey’s accession process, Fidan said both Ankara and the EU were working under new situations and attitudes. He highlighted that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s stance after his reelection in May 2023 has been a major influence.

“After the election, the president clearly told me he wanted maximum effort on this issue,”

Fidan said, adding that this represented a direct instruction on EU policy.

How are new EU defence priorities influencing Turkey’s strategy?

The Turkish Foreign Minister also talked about recent changes in EU security and defence priorities. He mentioned that the EU wants to reshape its security setup and is focusing on improving the bloc’s defence industry.

He stated that the EU plans to create a joint €150 billion low-interest fund to help member states boost their defence capabilities. The bloc has also raised its borrowing limit under financial rules and set up an extra €800 billion fund, referring to it as a way of borrowing from the future to address present needs.

What role will Turkey’s growing businesses play in EU ties?

Turkish businesses are increasing their presence in the EU by forming new firms and partnerships. This would help Türkiye make better use of these funds, he said.

He mentioned that Ankara aims to build cooperation