Analysts Slams von der Leyen Remarks on EU, Russia, Turkey, China Framing
The remarks were made during an event in Hamburg marking the 80th anniversary of the German publication Die Zeit, where she also reaffirmed support for EU enlargement while grouping Türkiye alongside Russia and China.
“We must succeed in completing the European continent so that it is not influenced by Russia, Türkiye, or China,” she said.
Following the backlash, the European Commission issued a clarification, stating that Türkiye remains an “unquestionably important partner” in both economic and political terms. It also emphasized that the reference was intended to reflect geopolitical considerations rather than suggest equivalence among the countries mentioned.
A spokesperson highlighted Türkiye’s involvement in strategic areas such as migration cooperation, connectivity projects like the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor, and its position as a NATO member and EU candidate country, describing Ankara as a key interlocutor for the bloc.
However, several experts expressed concern over the framing of the remarks. Timothy Ash, associate fellow at Chatham House, described the statement as “extraordinary,” noting that Türkiye remains an important NATO ally and an official EU membership candidate.
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