Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Turkey is ready to take on more responsibility for European security and called on the European Union to accelerate Ankara’s long-stalled accession process, during his address at the opening of the 2025 Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday.
Speaking at the forum’s official opening ceremony, Erdoğan said Turkey’s geostrategic importance had been reaffirmed amid shifting global power dynamics and recent developments involving the United States and Russia.
“Turkey’s absence renders any vision of European security incomplete,” Erdoğan said. “We are ready to take responsibility for Europe’s security in the future.”
The Turkish leader also responded to concerns in Europe about closer ties between US President Donald Trump and Russia, which have triggered unease among some NATO allies. Erdoğan positioned Turkey as a reliable and necessary partner, suggesting Ankara could play a stabilizing role.
Erdoğan said his country had not abandoned its goal of EU membership, despite years of stalled negotiations and criticism from European leaders over Turkey’s lack of adherence to the rule of law and human rights principles as well as its democratic backsliding.
“There has been no change in our strategic goal of full EU membership,” Erdoğan said. “Those claiming that Turkey has moved away from the EU path have no basis in fact. Unfortunately, some European countries are unable to demonstrate the same strategic vision that inspired the EU’s founders three quarters of a century ago.”
He added, “If the EU wants to be properly represented in the emerging global system and meet current challenges, Turkey must take its seat as a full member. We are ready and determined to move forward. Now we expect concrete steps from the EU.”
Erdoğan also highlighted Turkey’s recent investments in its defense industry, linking military capacity with foreign policy influence. “There can be no strong foreign policy without a strong defense industry,” he said. “Turkey’s current self-confidence stems from our achievements in this sector.”
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, now in its fourth edition, brings together heads of state, diplomats and academics to address global challenges. This year’s theme is “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World.”
While Erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s value as a partner to the West, critics say his government continues to erode democratic institutions at home. Rights groups and European bodies have accused Ankara of widespread political crackdowns, undermining judicial independence and jailing political opponents, including mayors and journalists. These concerns remain major obstacles to Turkey’s EU accession hopes.