Known for his constantly sensational statements about Turkey’s EU membership process, European People’s Party Group President and German politician Manfred Weber made a striking statement in a television program attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after his election victory.
Weber said he rejected Turkey’s possible EU membership as “permanent”.
“FULL MEMBERSHIP PROCESS MADE THE EU AND TURKEY AWAY FROM EACH OTHER”
Manfred Weber said in a statement, “Decades of chasing the mirage of full membership have distanced Turkey and the EU from each other.”
On the other hand, Weber, when asked about Turkey’s EU membership, said, “Absolutely not. I believe that such a thing will not and should not happen in the long run.”
“Turkey, of course, can only be included in a free trade zone with Europe. However, the EU is much more than that; there is an identity, a sense of belonging, and politicians should consider this when taking these enlargement steps,” Weber said.
EVALUATED THE ELECTION PROCESS
Expressing that religion plays an important role in the election process in Turkey, Weber also touched upon Sweden’s NATO membership and said, “I expect Erdogan to give Sweden the green light, otherwise there will be problems of principle. There will also be problems in economic cooperation. …” he said, “he said.
“I DON’T WANT TO THREAT, BUT…”
Emphasizing that 42 percent of Turkey’s exports are to the EU, Weber said, “We are still extremely important to Turkey. You should show that sometimes, I don’t want to threaten it now, but I want to make it clear: We are extremely strong as the European Union. I will say this in the future as well: I want to work in a friendly and partnership, but you will have to make a decision,” he said.
Weber added, “We don’t want to use the power we have and be the ‘good guy’ all the time. Europe should have a frank talk with Turkey and say: ‘We expect a certain behavior from you, because otherwise relations will be strained in other areas as well.