Ankara, November 16, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed optimism on Saturday that Türkiye could see “new progress” in its European Union accession process, highlighting recent supportive remarks by Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz as a sign of renewed political will within the bloc.
Speaking during a live broadcast on A News, Fidan welcomed Chancellor Merz’s public support for Türkiye’s EU membership, describing it as “an important renewal of political will.” He added, “For the German chancellor to state publicly in Ankara that Germany wants Türkiye in the EU is significant, and we value it highly.”
Fidan noted that both Ankara and Brussels are now operating under a “new set of conditions and psychology,” necessitating fresh approaches and policies. He highlighted President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s directive following his reelection in May 2023 as a key driver of renewed efforts in EU negotiations.
“Following the election, the president made it clear that he expected maximum effort on this file,” Fidan said, describing it as a direct mandate on EU policy.
EU Defense and Financial Cooperation
Fidan also discussed shifts in EU security and defense priorities, noting that the bloc is focusing on revitalizing its defense industry, particularly in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war. He said the EU plans to establish a joint €150 billion (over $174 billion) low-interest fund to support defense capabilities, alongside an additional €800 billion ($930 billion) fund created under flexible financial mechanisms.
Addressing candidate countries, Fidan acknowledged potential hurdles for Türkiye due to objections from Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the €800 billion fund, combined with the growing presence of Turkish firms establishing companies and joint ventures across the EU, would allow Türkiye to benefit from the bloc’s financial instruments.
“Türkiye aims to build prosperity-based cooperation not only with the EU, but also with partners to the east, north, and across the Mediterranean,” he said. Fidan underlined Türkiye’s domestic achievements, including major investments in infrastructure, energy, defense, health, communication, and education, much of which was accomplished independently of EU funding.
“Türkiye now has infrastructure far above the standards of many European countries, and its population is approaching 90 million,” he noted.
Cyprus Issue and Turkish Cypriot Rights
Fidan also addressed ongoing tensions in Cyprus, stressing that provocations on the island are not new. He reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to defending the equal sovereign rights of Turkish Cypriots.
“They will not accept a second-class status, and neither will we as a guarantor state,” he said, describing the two-state model as the most realistic and stable solution. Fidan also noted that he met with TRNC President Tufan Erhurman during a recent visit to Türkiye to coordinate foreign policy, messaging, and joint action.
Criticizing the EU for “importing the Greek Cypriot problem into its system,” Fidan added that the bloc’s decision-making rules have led to repeated internal deadlocks. He observed that the EU is now considering shifting from unanimity to qualified majority voting due to difficulties in making decisions on key issues, including those related to Türkiye.
Fidan’s comments underscore Ankara’s continued determination to advance EU accession talks while safeguarding national and Turkish Cypriot interests and expanding regional and global economic and defense partnerships.
