Cyprus Times

Turkey's Inclusion in EU Would Have Prevented Brexit, Says Fidan

Published January 26, 2026, 10:05
Turkey's Inclusion in EU Would Have Prevented Brexit, Says Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the European Union would be more resilient to international challenges if Turkey and the United Kingdom were members. He argued that the inclusion of both countries would allow Europe to create its own “center of gravity” and not be so dependent on extra-European superpowers such as the US, China, and Russia. Fidan expressed the view that the failure of this strategic choice is leading Europe to seek support from other powers. He also commented on the situation in Iran, urging the United States to avoid policies that could further destabilize the region, suggesting a more careful approach to negotiations with Iran. The Turkish Foreign Minister dismissed the idea of a revival of the Ottoman Empire, emphasizing that the current era is about cooperation between independent states to address common problems, such as the economy, politics, and security. He stressed that seeking solutions from a “hegemon” is not the ideal approach. These statements were made to the Arabic television network Sky News Arabia and reflect Turkey's view on its role in Europe and international relations.