Turkey opts for silence on von der Leyen remarks to avoid straining EU ties
Submitted by
Ragip Soylu
on
Thu, 04/23/2026 - 11:49
Top EU official’s remarks suggesting Turkey as a malign influence sparked a stir, but Ankara has chosen to ignore them after a Brussels clarification, amid economic and strategic concerns
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits the Roll of Honour during her tour of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on 24 March 2026 (AFP/David Gray)
Off
Turkey has opted to stay silent after remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen appeared to place Ankara alongside China and Russia as a potential malign influence, Middle East Eye understands.
A swift clarification from Brussels appears to have satisfied officials in Ankara, which showed little appetite for confrontation at this stage.
"There will likely be no formal statement of criticism or condemnation since the Commission has released an official clarification," a Turkish official told MEE.
Speaking at an event marking the 80th anniversary of Die Zeit newspaper in Hamburg on Monday, von der Leyen said that if the EU fails to expand, neighbouring countries could fall under Russian, Turkish or Chinese influence, making it “difficult for us”.
The remarks caused a stir in Turkey, marking a rare instance in which a Commission president appeared to frame Ankara as a hostile power seeking to undermine the continent's unity.
The European Commission moved quickly to clarify the comments.
A spokesperson said on Tuesday that “Turkey is unquestionably an important partner,” stressing that von der Leyen’s remarks were a recognition of Ankara’s “geopolitical clout, size and ambitions” and not meant as a comparison with other countries.
The spokesperson added that Turkey remains a key economic and political partner, particularly in strategic initiatives such as the Connectivity Agenda and the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor, where it plays a central role.
The EU also highlighted cooperation on migration management, noting Turkey's long-standing role as a partner.
"Turkey is also an important Nato ally and EU candidate country, and as such, a key interlocutor," the spokesperson said.
Strained economy
Ankara's wilful silence came as a surprise to some, given that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has historically reacted sharply to such remarks.
Since 2023, however, Turkey has gradually shifted its foreign policy toward improving ties with Europe and other Nato allies, driven in part by economic pressures and regional instability.
Turkey’s economy has been under strain for years, and the US-Israel war on Iran has added pressure by eroding central bank reserves and fuelling already high inflation. A crisis with the EU could further undermine investor confidence.
Iran war hits Turkey's fragile economy as investors flee following oil shock
Read More »
One possible factor behind Turkey's muted reaction is a draft EU regulation that would prioritise "Made in Europe" automotive and green-technology products in public procurement.
Erdogan and Trade Minister Omer Bolat have been actively lobbying the EU to include Turkish companies and producers in the EU's supply chains, citing the existing EU-Turkey Customs Union.
The draft proposal introduces minimum local-content requirements for public purchases of key green technologies - such as batteries, solar and wind components, and electric vehicles - to strengthen domestic European industries.
Under the plan, the lowest price would no longer be the only criterion when governments buy fleets of public buses or cars, for example.
Barcin Yinanc, in a column for T24 publication, noted that Bolat is now considering amendments to Turkey's procurement laws to persuade the EU to grant Turkish firms a more favourable status under the new rules.
"Since Ankara raised the issue, the EU has responded with a clear message: If you do not want Turkish firms excluded from public tenders in Europe, then ensure that European firms can participate in Turkish tenders under the same competitive conditions," Yinanc wrote.
Security and cooperation
Oguz Arikboga, a Netherlands-based Turkish academic with extensive experience working for EU agencies, believes Ankara’s restrained response goes beyond the “Made in Europe” dispute.
"Ankara is currently in a position where it wants to tread carefully on the international stage and avoid escalation, having solidified its role as a mediator and regional player," he said.
"In the current international climate, it is seeking deeper cooperation on different files with all actors - not least with the EU. With the upcoming Nato summit in Ankara and COP31 in Antalya, it is not keen on escalating the situation."
Why Turkey will be a key regional powerbroker after Iran war
Read More »
Another factor is Ankara’s interest in integrating into Europe’s evolving security architecture amid the Russia-Ukraine war and continued transatlantic frictions between Washington and Brussels.
US President Donald Trump has made clear his scepticism toward Nato, while Ankara has stepped up joint defence investments in Europe, particularly with Italy.
Arikboga added that von der Leyen has been facing significant criticism across Europe.
"Although what she said about Turkey is not a fringe view in many EU political circles, the fact that she said it and failed to anticipate the consequences will further damage her credibility," he noted.
On Wednesday, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, who is also the EU Council president, doubled down on von der Leyen's comments.
"Let me remind you that Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 and still occupies European territory,” he said.
By contrast, Marta Kos, the European commissioner for neighbourhood and enlargement, struck a more conciliatory tone in an address to the European Parliament, emphasising Turkey’s strategic importance.
"We need Turkey in light of the changing geopolitical realities in Europe and the Middle East," Kos said.
She added that Turkey is the EU's fifth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volume twice as large as that with Mercosur or India.
Diplomacy
Ankara
News
Post Date Override
0
Update Date
Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19
Update Date Override
0