Hakan Fidan Calls for Return to Pre-Sarkozy Line in Turkey-EU Relations

turkey - Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has emphasized the need for Turkey-EU relations to return to the pre-Sarkozy era, highlighting the importance of a merit-based membership path for Turkey to become a more effective regional power in partnership with Europe.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has emphasized the need for Turkey-EU relations to return to the pre-Sarkozy era, highlighting the importance of a merit-based membership path for Turkey to become a more effective regional power in partnership with Europe.

Speaking to French television France 24, Fidan stated that prior to the Sarkozy era, political leaders of Germany and France saw Turkey's EU membership as a strategic step.

He pointed out that following the Sarkozy period, Turkey's membership was viewed as part of domestic politics and scrutinized through the lens of identity politics.

Fidan highlighted two approaches regarding strengthening European security, one emphasizing Europe forming its regional weight center by including Turkey and the other highlighting Europe's dependency on other actors for its security.

Fidan called for a return to the pre-Sarkozy line, advocating for a merit-based membership approach for Turkey to become a more influential power in the region by aligning with Europe.

Regarding the visit of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Ankara, Fidan expressed a willingness to engage in high-level political dialogue with the EU, signaling a positive stance from both sides.