On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded a more significant role for Turkey in European defense and security during his flight back from Ethiopia. He criticized the European Union for being limited by narrow agendas in a rapidly changing world, stressing the urgent need for Turkey's inclusion in European security mechanisms. Erdogan argued that it's crucial to eliminate ideological barriers that hinder Turkey's integration with Europe to strengthen the continent's defense capabilities.

Erdogan further highlighted the illogical nature of the EU's exclusionary stance towards Turkey, suggesting that it does not align with contemporary global realities. He insisted that any new European defense structure would be insufficient without Turkey's involvement. This statement reiterates Turkey's position as a critical player within NATO, as Erdogan pointed out that the Turkish military is one of the largest and most effective forces in the alliance.

By pushing for Turkey's integration into European security frameworks, Erdogan is advocating for a reevaluation of existing geopolitical dynamics and the necessity for collaborative defense strategies. This development could potentially reshape Turkey's relationship with the EU, opening avenues for further diplomacy and security cooperation if European leaders respond positively to his calls.