After years of resistance, the European Union is now recognizing Turkey’s strategic significance and adjusting its approach.
Over the last nine years, Turkey has gained strength under Erdoğan, while the EU has struggled with challenges like Brexit and diminishing global influence. Now, European leaders are changing their tone, recognizing Turkey’s key role in geopolitical conflicts. This shift was highlighted by Erdoğan’s invitation to the EU summit, initiated by former critic Olaf Scholz. Yet, words alone are not enough—true reconciliation requires the EU to take meaningful actions.
Has Europe ‘Enlightened’?
When I saw President Erdoğan holding the arm of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk as he struggled to walk with a brace due to a broken leg during his visit to Turkey, my mind went back nine years.
In April 2016, the then-President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz of Germany’s Social Democratic Party, made arrogant remarks about President Erdoğan in an interview with the German newspaper Bild and even posed as if he were about to shoot him. At the time, Donald Tusk, serving as President of the European Council, made similar statements.
Over the past nine years, Turkey has overcome many challenges under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Meanwhile, the European Union has faced its own crises—first losing one of its largest member states, the UK, to Brexit, and then gradually seeing its influence in global politics wane.
Now, a shift appears to be underway in the EU. Since December, European officials have begun sending positive signals toward Turkey. The shift is so significant that even the French media, which not long ago was broadcasting headlines like “Turkey Must Be Stopped,” is now praising the Turkish military and defense industry.
There are several reasons for this transformation. First, Turkey, under Erdoğan’s leadership, has emerged victorious in key geopolitical arenas despite European opposition. Whether in Libya, Karabakh, or most recently in Syria, Turkey’s successes have forced the once-arrogant policymakers in Brussels to reassess their stance.
The second wake-up call came with the looming possibility of a second Trump presidency. Realizing Turkey’s strategic importance, European leaders were compelled to acknowledge Erdoğan’s role in global stability.
At this critical juncture, Turkey’s Chief of General Staff took the lead in high-level meetings with his French and British counterparts. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan represented Turkey at the European leaders’ summit on Syria. And most notably, President Erdoğan was invited to the EU summit—a symbolic moment in this process. Ironically, the invitation came from none other than German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who had previously voiced strong criticism of Turkey.
The EU has softened its rhetoric because it has finally recognized that Turkey’s strong military and problem-solving political leadership are indispensable.
Yes, compared to the days when we were dealing with figures like Kati Piri, today’s developments are undoubtedly positive. However, we have seen enough to know that rhetoric alone is not enough.
If the European Union truly wishes to improve relations, it must go beyond mere words and take concrete steps to make amends for its past mistakes.
