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Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero argued that current global conflicts would not exist if Türkiye had been granted European Union membership when it was closest to accession in the mid-2000s.
Speaking at a panel titled "A More Just World is Possible" organized by the Turkish Presidency's Directorate of Communications in Madrid, Zapatero emphasized that Türkiye should have been admitted to the EU during 2005-2006 when it was closest and most enthusiastic about membership.
"If Türkiye were an EU member, the wars we experience today would not exist. Russia could not wage war on Ukraine, and Israel could not attack Gaza," Zapatero stated.
"Türkiye's EU membership was key in the past, is key now, and will be key in the future," he added.
Zapatero characterized the European Union as "a political peace community" and "the only institution that expands and spreads without using military force."
He argued that Türkiye's participation would make the EU more important and provide it with "historical vision and political wisdom."
"Ukraine's hope and greatest guarantee against Russia's invasion is the EU," the former Spanish leader said, emphasizing the bloc's role in maintaining regional stability through diplomatic rather than military means.
Drawing parallels between historical atrocities and current events, Zapatero declared that developments in Gaza will have a lasting global impact.
"The Jewish genocide changed world history. What is happening in Gaza will also change world history. This is only a matter of time," he stated.
The former prime minister called for stopping "the barbarism in Gaza" and praised the Spanish government's decision to officially recognize the Palestinian State, oppose Israel's actions in Gaza, and lead the U.N. General Assembly ceasefire resolution for Gaza.
Zapatero strongly criticized proposals by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and US President Donald Trump to increase defense spending among NATO member countries to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP).
Supporting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's opposition to increased defense spending, Zapatero questioned the logic of military expenditure increases when development aid to developing countries does not even reach 0.5% of GDP.
"Where will defense money be spent? Where will the purchased missiles be fired? Why are the defense expenditures of NATO countries, which correspond to 14-15% of the world's population, so high? Can someone explain this to us?" he asked.
Zapatero criticized what he termed "Islamic fear" for creating invisible enemies, pointing to devastating consequences in Middle Eastern conflicts.
"Look at the state of the Middle East. Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya—more than 1 million people died, half of them civilians. Why? So that Israel can now eliminate Gaza? Unfortunately, this is the balance sheet," he said.
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Citing the Russia-Ukraine war, Israeli attacks on Iran, and what he characterized as Israel's genocide in Palestine, Zapatero suggested the world is passing through a critical period that may be nearing its end.
"Maybe we are experiencing the end of this critical period. I hope we have hit rock bottom. Because this situation will not last long or go further. The spirit of peace and cooperation will prevail. It has always been like this in history. Critical periods bring change," he stated.
Turkish Ambassador to Madrid Nuket Kucukel Ezberci referenced President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statement, "The world is bigger than five," emphasizing that global changes are rapid and complex, making UN reform essential to meet current needs.
The ambassador noted that Türkiye and Spain work closely and actively together on many issues, particularly supporting Palestine.
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