Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Erdogan Demands Full EU Membership, Calls Europe Dependent

5/7/2026

37 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On May 4, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged the EU to cease undermining rhetoric, saying it cannot be a global power without Turkey as a full member.
He recalled accession talks started in 1959, improved in 2015, then stalled after the July 15 2016 coup attempt.
Erdogan condemned the EU’s strategic myopia and double standards, claiming Europe needs Turkey more than Turkey needs Europe and urging leaders to build equal relations.

1 of 1

Story summary

On May 4, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged the EU to cease undermining rhetoric, saying it cannot be a global power without Turkey as a full member.
He recalled accession talks started in 1959, improved in 2015, then stalled after the July 15 2016 coup attempt.
Erdogan condemned the EU’s strategic myopia and double standards, claiming Europe needs Turkey more than Turkey needs Europe and urging leaders to build equal relations.