Former EU Council chief slams von der Leyen remarks on 'core NATO ally' Türkiye
Charles Michel criticized Ursula von der Leyen's remarks on Türkiye, emphasizing its vital role as a strong NATO ally and regional power, contrasting her view that Europe must not be "influenced by Russia, Türkiye, or China."
- Türkiye
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 03:50 | 22 April 2026
Former European Council President Charles Michel on Wednesday criticized remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about Türkiye, a country he describes as a "core ally" and "major defence actor."
"Türkiye is: a core NATO ally, a key migration partner, an energy corridor, a major defence actor on Europe's flank, and a serious regional power," Michel said in a post on the US social media company X, mentioning von der Leyen.
"Europe doesn't get stronger by applying double standards or simplifying reality," he added.
Michel's remarks came after von der Leyen spoke at an event in Hamburg on Monday, marking the 80th anniversary of the newspaper Die Zeit.
Speaking about EU enlargement, she said: "We must succeed in completing the European continent so that it is not influenced by Russia, Türkiye, or China."
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