EU should eliminate prejudices regarding Türkiye: Bahçeli

Devlet Bahçeli, leader of Turkey's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), has urged the European Union to abandon its biases toward Turkey and forge a more strategic alliance, especially in critical domains such as energy security and defense. Speaking during a weekly parliamentary session with his party members on July 14, Bahçeli assessed the outcomes of the recent NATO summit held in Ankara. He emphasized that the EU must reassess its stance on Turkey's accession negotiations and create a just framework for the continent's future. Bahçeli characterized the current phase as a pivotal moment for Europe, highlighting the numerous challenges the bloc faces, including energy security, migration pressures, demographic shifts, and the capacity of its defense sector. He argued that any enduring security arrangement in the region spanning from Ukraine to the Black Sea, the Balkans to the Caucasus, and the eastern Mediterranean to the Middle East would be impossible without Turkey's inclusion. He further stressed that no energy infrastructure could remain viable without Turkey's participation and that no regional peace initiative could achieve success without Turkish engagement. Despite these tangible realities, Bahçeli pointed out that the EU persists in treating Turkey unfairly, driven by political and ideological motivations, as well as influence from Greece. He criticized the EU for failing to uphold its commitments to Turkey and for not fulfilling the country's legitimate expectations. According to Bahçeli, this approach has harmed Europe itself. He reiterated that Turkey does not seek special treatment or evade responsibilities, but rather demands transparency and an end to duplicity. Turkey's position within the EU, he asserted, should be based on mutual respect, equal sovereignty, and fairness. He underscored that Turkey is not requesting preferential treatment but is instead calling for genuine cooperation and integrity from the EU. In addition to addressing the broader geopolitical landscape, Bahçeli highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced dialogue between Turkey and the EU. He suggested that both sides must recognize each other's interests and work collaboratively to address shared concerns. This includes tackling issues related to migration, economic integration, and security cooperation. The MHP leader also expressed concern over the EU's reluctance to engage with Turkey on matters of mutual interest, which he believes undermines the potential for meaningful collaboration. He called for a renewed commitment to dialogue and a willingness to acknowledge Turkey's contributions to regional stability and security. As the EU continues to grapple with internal divisions and external threats, Bahçeli's remarks reflect a growing frustration among Turkish officials over the perceived lack of progress in bilateral relations. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about Turkey's role in shaping the future of European security and energy policy. With the upcoming meetings between EU leaders and Turkish representatives, there is anticipation that the discourse will evolve toward greater recognition of Turkey's strategic value. However, achieving this requires overcoming entrenched biases and fostering a spirit of cooperation grounded in mutual respect and shared objectives. The coming months will likely see continued efforts to bridge the gap between the two parties, though the path forward remains uncertain.