(MENAFN) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed optimism on Saturday that Ankara could soon see “new progress” in its bid to join the European Union, citing recent statements by Germany’s chancellor. Speaking in a live broadcast, Fidan welcomed Friedrich Merz’s support for Türkiye’s EU membership, calling it “an important renewal of political will.” He added, “I believe there will be new progress with the European Union in this period,” and emphasized the significance of Germany publicly endorsing Türkiye’s EU aspirations.

Discussing Türkiye’s accession process, Fidan explained that both Ankara and Brussels are now operating under a “new set of conditions and psychology,” necessitating fresh policies and approaches. He underlined that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s position after his May 2023 reelection has been a major factor, stating, “Following the election, the president made it clear to me that he expected maximum effort on this file.”

Fidan also highlighted changes in EU security and defense priorities, noting that the bloc is revitalizing its defense industry, a trend accelerated by the Russia-Ukraine war and reinforced under the Trump administration. He described plans for a €150 billion ($174 billion) low-interest fund to bolster defense capabilities, with member states able to access the money. An additional €800 billion ($930 billion) fund was created to allow the EU to respond to challenges using future resources. While some mechanisms require member approval—potentially complicated for Türkiye due to Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration—Fidan said Turkish companies’ growing presence in the EU would allow them to benefit from these funds.

Highlighting Türkiye’s domestic progress, Fidan noted that the country has completed extensive infrastructure, energy, defense, health, communication, and education projects largely without EU financial aid. “Türkiye now has infrastructure far above the standards of many European countries, and its population is approaching 90 million,” he said. He stressed that Ankara seeks prosperity-based cooperation not only with the EU but also with partners to the east, north, and across the Mediterranean, while the EU has evolved into a supranational body without becoming a civilization-transcending entity.

On Cyprus, Fidan reiterated that provocations on the island are longstanding and that Ankara will continue to defend the sovereign rights of Turkish Cypriots. “They will not accept a second-class status, and neither will we as a guarantor state,” he said, advocating the two-state model as the most realistic and stable solution. He added that discussions with TRNC President Tufan Erhurman during a recent visit were productive, focusing on coordinated foreign policy and joint action. Fidan criticized the EU for “importing the Greek Cypriot problem into its system,” arguing that internal deadlocks arise from the bloc’s decision-making rules, and noted that moving from unanimity to qualified majority voting is intended to overcome obstacles on key issues, including those concerning Türkiye.

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