2nd October 2023 – (Ankara) President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has voiced his country’s disillusionment with the European Union, stating that they no longer hold any expectations from the EU after enduring a 40-year wait at its doorstep.
Speaking at a parliamentary session, President Erdogan highlighted that Turkey has fulfilled all the commitments it made to the EU, while the EU has failed to reciprocate with the same level of commitment. He emphasized that he will not tolerate any further demands or conditions regarding Turkey’s accession process to join the bloc.
Turkey’s relationship with the EU has been a complex and protracted one, with Turkey formally applying for EU membership in 1987. Over the years, Turkey has implemented numerous reforms to align with EU standards and regulations, aiming to fulfil the necessary criteria for membership. However, progress has been slow, and Turkey has grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of tangible results.