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Turkish FM Says Turkey's EU Membership Could Have Prevented Brexit

Published January 26, 2026, 10:20
Turkish FM Says Turkey's EU Membership Could Have Prevented Brexit

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the European Union would be more resilient to international challenges if both Turkey and the United Kingdom were member states. He argued that the presence of both countries would allow Europe to create a stronger "center of gravity" and reduce its dependence on superpowers such as the US, China, and Russia. Fidan also addressed the situation in Iran, urging the United States to avoid policies that could lead to destabilization. He advised the Americans to find a way to negotiate with Iran in a manner that preserves its dignity and prevents it from feeling cornered, potentially leading to preparation for worst-case scenarios. Furthermore, Fidan dismissed notions of reviving the Ottoman Empire, emphasizing that the current era calls for cooperation between nation-states to address common problems, including economic, political, security, and terrorism concerns. In conclusion, Fidan presented Turkey's EU membership as a means of strengthening European autonomy and stability, while also warning about the potential consequences of a destabilizing policy towards Iran.