Membership in the European Union is no longer among Turkey’s main objectives, although Ankara continues to keep the possibility of future integration open.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed this position in an interview with Al Jazeera, during which he discussed his country’s long-standing relations with the EU and the accession process.
Criticizing Brussels’ approach toward Ankara, Erdogan said Turkey has been waiting 53 years to join the European Union.
“Europe has not integrated Turkey for 53 years and does not plan to do so from now on. We have not closed the door,” the Turkish president said.
According to him, Turkey is no longer exerting the same pressure to be admitted to the bloc, although it continues to consider the prospect.
“We are considering joining the European Union. If they accept us, that is fine; if they do not accept us, that is also fine,” he said.
Erdogan emphasized that the EU is no longer at the top of Ankara’s agenda, while sending a direct message to Brussels.
“Our priority is not the European Union. We constantly tell them that they will be the ones to lose, not Turkey,” Erdogan said.
