Erdogan accuses EU of ‘strategic blindness’, says Europe needs Turkey more

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Europe’s need for Turkey now exceeds Turkey’s need for Europe, criticising what he described as “strategic blindness” among some European leaders toward Ankara.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Erdogan said recent remarks targeting Turkey reflected a persistent misreading within parts of the European Union.

Erdogan reiterated that the European Union could not become a global actor without Turkey as a full member, adding that the country is among the strongest candidates to emerge as one of the key poles in an evolving multipolar global system.

“Turkey is among the most powerful countries poised to become one of the poles of the new system,” he said.

He added that Europe faces a choice between embracing Turkey’s growing geopolitical weight or allowing exclusionary rhetoric to undermine its future.