rki.news | Source: Anadolu Agency
Former European Council President Charles Michel has strongly criticized remarks made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding Türkiye, calling the country a “core NATO ally” and “major defence actor” for Europe.
In a post on social media platform X, Michel stressed that Europe’s strength does not come from “double standards or simplified narratives,” emphasizing the need for a realistic and balanced foreign policy approach.
His comments followed von der Leyen’s remarks at an event in Hamburg, marking the 80th anniversary of Die Zeit, where she discussed EU enlargement and said Europe must be “completed” in a way that reduces external influence from Russia, Türkiye, and China.
Michel underlined Türkiye’s strategic importance, highlighting its role as a migration partner, energy corridor, and key regional power on Europe’s southeastern flank.
The exchange reflects ongoing debates within the European Union over enlargement policy and relations with strategic partners amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.