MEPs Criticise von der Leyen Over ‘Turkey’ Remark on External Influence

Belgian MEPs Rudi Kennes and Marc Botenga told the Anadolu Agency that the comments were “wrong and dangerous.”

Kennes said von der Leyen’s remarks reflected current global developments, adding that they should be seen as part of broader geopolitical dynamics. He argued that global power structures were shifting toward a multipolar world and that Europe was increasingly framing Russia, Iran and China as adversaries.

MEP Botenga also described the statement as “both untrue and very strange,” stressing that Turkey is not only a NATO member but also maintains extensive relations with the European Union and is officially an EU candidate country.

He warned against dividing the world into “us and them,” saying such rhetoric is dangerous and oversimplifies international relations. Botenga also rejected the idea that the European Union represents the whole continent, noting that Europe extends beyond the EU’s borders.

Von der Leyen made the remarks during a speech at Die Zeit’s 80th anniversary event in Hamburg, where she said the EU should support enlargement to ensure that Europe is not left under Russian, Turkish or Chinese influence, and called for a more “geopolitical” approach.

A European Commission spokesperson later clarified that the reference to Turkey reflected its geopolitical weight, size and ambitions, particularly in the Western Balkans, and was not intended as a comparison with other countries.