Erdogan Pushes for Faster EU Integration as Türkiye Highlights Strategic Role in Europe

ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that recent geopolitical developments underline the growing importance of closer relations between Türkiye and the European Union, urging faster progress in modernising the Customs Union as part of Ankara’s long-standing EU membership ambitions.

Erdogan made the remarks during a meeting in Istanbul with Queen Mathilde of Belgium, where both sides discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.

The president stressed that updating the Customs Union in line with current global conditions is a “key area requiring swift progress” on the path toward full EU membership.

He also emphasised that Türkiye’s involvement in EU defence initiatives would benefit both sides, describing it as a matter of mutual interest.

According to the Communications Directorate, Erdogan highlighted the strong potential for cooperation between Türkiye and Belgium in sectors such as trade, the defence industry, energy and agriculture.

He added that efforts to strengthen bilateral ties will continue as both countries explore new areas of partnership.

Erdogan also pointed to Türkiye’s growing diplomatic role on the global stage, noting that the country will host the NATO Summit 2026 in Ankara on July 7–8 and the COP31 Climate Conference from November 9 to 20 this year.

He further highlighted the green energy transition as a key area of cooperation with Belgium, stating that Türkiye is among Europe’s leading countries in installed renewable energy capacity.

During the meeting, Erdogan expressed hope that Queen Mathilde’s engagements with Turkish business communities would lead to concrete economic outcomes and stronger investment ties between the two nations.