EU's von der Leyen: Good phone call with Erdogan of Turkey

EU's von der Leyen: Good phone call with Erdogan of Turkey

EU’s von der Leyen: Productive Dialogue with Turkish President Erdogan

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation on February 12, 2023, to discuss bilateral relations and regional challenges, according to a statement from the Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications. The call followed Erdogan’s re-election and emphasized the importance of EU-Turkey cooperation to address shared concerns, including migration, economic stability, and regional security.

During the discussion, Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to EU membership, stating that equitable treatment and support for full accession would strengthen ties between the two parties. Turkey applied for EU membership in 1987, and formal accession talks began in 2005 but have since stagnated due to political disagreements among EU member states. Von der Leyen acknowledged the significance of advancing dialogue but did not provide specific timelines for resuming negotiations.

The call also addressed Turkey’s recent withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, a Council of Europe treaty combating gender-based violence, which the EU has criticized as a regression for women’s rights. While no resolution was announced, von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Turkey during its recovery from the February 2023 earthquakes. The EU has mobilized €6 billion in emergency aid, including search-and-rescue teams, shelter supplies, and coordination efforts, with plans to host a donor conference in March 2023 alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

The conversation reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize EU-Turkey relations amid geopolitical tensions. While historical disputes—such as the 2021 “Sofagate” diplomatic incident—highlight protocol challenges, both sides have prioritized pragmatic cooperation on economic and humanitarian issues in recent years. Investors may monitor the donor conference and potential progress on migration agreements, which have historically influenced EU-Turkey financial and political dynamics.

No further details on economic reforms or trade agreements were disclosed in the February 12 call, underscoring the need for continued dialogue to address structural barriers to Turkey’s EU integration.