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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Türkiye is working to advance ties with the European Union, especially on updating the Customs Union and resolving visa liberalization, but said the bloc lacks the political will to accept Türkiye as a member even if the country meets the required conditions.
Fidan made the remarks during a joint news conference with Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger.
“Especially the updating of the Customs Union and the visa liberalization issue, which we are trying to resolve,” Fidan said, referring to Türkiye’s relations with the EU.
Fidan said Türkiye’s EU membership process depends not only on meeting technical requirements but also on political will inside the bloc.
He said that even if Türkiye fulfills the necessary conditions for EU membership, there is no political will in the EU to accept Türkiye into the union.
His remarks came as Ankara continues to seek progress in its relations with the EU, including on the Customs Union and visa liberalization.
Fidan also addressed Iran-U.S. negotiations, saying Türkiye is in contact with all parties as part of the diplomatic process.
He did not provide further details.
Fidan said it is important to place Israel under international pressure.
“Putting Israel under international pressure is important,” he said.
He also said preventing Israeli violations is important for moving to the second phase in Gaza.
“Preventing Israel’s violations is important for moving to the second phase in Gaza,” Fidan said.
Meinl-Reisinger said Türkiye has a central role in implementing the planned peace plan for Gaza.
“Türkiye plays a central role in implementing the peace plan envisaged for Gaza, assuming the role of mediator and facilitator,” she said.
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