Fidan calls for return to pre-Sarkozy framework of European relations

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan stressed the need to restore relations between Trkiye and the European Union within the framework of the pre-Nicolas Sarkozy era, advocating for a merit-based EU accession path and stronger regional cooperation between Trkiye and Europe.

In an interview with France 24Fidan discussed Trkiye-EU relations, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond identity politics which he said began to dominate dialogue during Sarkozy's presidency in France.

A call for merit-based membership negotiations

Fidan said that before Sarkozy's presidency, European leaders, especially in Germany and France, considered Trkiye's membership in the EU as a strategic goal.

However, during Sarkozy's term, Trkiye members found themselves embroiled in national political debates and identity politics within Europe.

“If Trkiye had joined the EU in 2007 or 2008, it would have been a golden period. Trkiye was committed to EU reforms and no external threats disrupted his progress. But identity politics has shifted focus and we need to return to a merit-based membership process,” Fidan remarked.

If Trkiye had joined the European Union in 2007 or 2008… Because it was a golden era. Because when Trkiye received this clear roadmap, EU reforms were on the way and no other international actors were threatening Trkiye. Because they knew how well Trkiye was treated by the European Union and that the merit-based process was on track, but Trkiye's membership then became part of the identity politics debate within politics European.

We must return to the line before Sarkozy. A route to membership based on merit should therefore be opened. Trkiye must unite with Europe to become a more effective power in the region.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan

Strategic importance of Trkiye for European security

Fidan highlighted two contrasting approaches to European security. The first envisions a stronger Europe that includes Trkiye as a geostrategic partner, making the region more resilient in the face of global instability.

The second approach, he warned, risks leaving Europe too dependent on external actors for its security.

He highlighted Trkiye's potential role in contributing to a more stable and secure Europe, emphasizing the need for collaborative strategies to address common geopolitical challenges.

Positive signals from the European Commission

Fidan also spoke about the recent visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Ankara, describing it as a constructive step towards the resumption of high-level political dialogue between Trkiye and the EU.

“Our impression is that she is genuinely interested in moving this dialogue forward, and President Erdogan shares the same desire,” Fidan noted.

Trkiye's broader diplomatic engagement

In addition to Trkiye-EU relations, Fidan recently held telephone talks with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Yahya and Armenian Foreign Minister. Ararat Mirzoyan.

Topics included ceasefire efforts in Gaza, regional stability in Syria and ongoing bilateral relations.

Fidan also shared a New Year's message highlighting Trkiye's commitment to building lasting partnerships and addressing global challenges through diplomacy.

We leave behind us a year in which we, as Trkiye, fought resolutely for peace, stability and prosperity in our region and beyond, and in which we observed the positive results of these efforts at the global level.

In a period where threats and opportunities are intertwined, our Trkiye-centered foreign policy, shaped by the visionary leadership of our President, continues to produce stability for our region.

We are determined to build lasting collaborations in all regions where we extend our hand of friendship and to further strengthen our understanding of diplomacy that produces solutions to global problems in 2025.

We will continue to defend the interests of our country with a strategic and results-oriented approach; with the support of our nation, we will continue our fight for a world order based on justice and human dignity.

With the hope that humanity's journey toward truth, which has been evolving for thousands of years, will move one step closer to its goal in 2025…

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan