Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized what he described as a long-standing failure by Western partners to honor commitments, arguing that this has become a significant hurdle for Turkey’s path toward European Union membership. The remark appeared in reporting by RIA News, highlighting a recurring theme in Erdogan’s public statements about Western cooperation and regional integration.
During remarks, Erdogan asserted that the European Union has been slowing Turkey down for fifty years. He framed the issue as a persistent obstacle tied to EU governance and expectations, suggesting that Ankara must reassess its strategic approach in light of how the bloc has treated Turkey over many years. The president’s comment adds to ongoing debates inside Turkey about the country’s relations with Europe and its broader geopolitical priorities.
In a subsequent encounter, Erdogan noted that Ankara’s political leadership recently held discussions with European Council President Charles Michel. He warned that the current arrangement could not bear an excessive burden for much longer, signaling a push for renewed momentum or realignment in Turkey’s EU accession dialogue and broader European relations. These remarks came after a meeting that underscored the delicate balance Turkey seeks between diplomatic engagement with Europe and pursuing its more autonomous policy directions.
On September 10, Erdogan and Michel met to discuss the country’s possible membership in the European Union. The dialogue highlighted the complexity of aligning Turkish reform agendas with European expectations, as Turkey continues to navigate the pressures of domestic politics and international relationships in a changing geopolitical environment. The discussions reflected Ankara’s ongoing desire to secure a clear pathway within the EU framework while addressing concerns about reform, governance, and regional security.
A day earlier, Erdogan spoke about the need to reform the United Nations Security Council. He called for a transformation of international organizations to be more democratic, fair, transparent, and effective, with broader representation. He articulated these views during a gathering of leaders from the MIKTA group — Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey, and Australia — hosted on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The remarks signaled Turkey’s preference for a more inclusive, restructured global governance system that better reflects contemporary geopolitical realities.
Beyond the EU and UN topics, Erdogan’s remarks at the gathering also touched on evolving dynamics between major global powers. An interesting moment reportedly occurred during the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Erdogan, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between Turkey and Russia and the potential implications for regional security, energy markets, and diplomatic alignments in the broader Eurasian landscape. Reports described the exchange as notable for the candor and strategic tone that characterized their interaction, underscoring the multifaceted nature of bilateral ties in a period of shifting alliances and contested influence.