President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Türkiye-E.U. relations and addressing pressing regional challenges during a joint press conference held at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The meeting touched on Türkiye’s E.U. accession, trade ties, the reconstruction of Syria, and migration management.
The talks come at a pivotal time as Türkiye seeks to redefine its role within the E.U. framework while also playing a key part in stabilizing Syria and managing regional crises. The discussions underscore Türkiye’s strategic importance as both a NATO ally and a bridge between Europe and the Middle East.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (L) speak during a joint press conference in Ankara, Türkiye on December 17, 2024. (AA Photo)
Key themes from meeting
1. Revitalizing Türkiye-E.U. relations
Erdogan reiterated Türkiye's strategic priority of E.U. membership, calling for a renewed commitment from the bloc to accelerate the accession process:
“Türkiye’s membership will be a historic step toward ensuring stability, prosperity, and peace for the region and the world. It is time for the E.U. to demonstrate vision and inclusivity,” Erdogan stated.
He emphasized the need to overcome hurdles created by certain member states, which have slowed progress in Türkiye-E.U. relations.
Von der Leyen echoed the importance of Türkiye’s role as an indispensable partner for the E.U.:
“Our relationship is rich and multifaceted, and we are committed to advancing it further,” she said, highlighting Türkiye’s significance in areas ranging from trade to migration management.
Both leaders expressed the desire to hold a dedicated Türkiye-E.U. Summit, marking a fresh chapter in their partnership.
This handout photograph taken and released by the Turkish presidential press service on December 17, 2024, shows European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (L) meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara. (AFP Photo)
2. Economic ties: A new era of collaboration
Economic cooperation between Türkiye and the E.U. emerged as a central focus of the meeting:
Trade between Türkiye and the E.U. reached a record-breaking €206 billion in 2024, cementing the E.U. as Türkiye's largest trade and investment partner.
Erdogan and von der Leyen agreed to initiate negotiations to modernize the Customs Union, with the aim of further boosting trade and investment.
Von der Leyen announced:
“The European Investment Bank is set to re-engage with Türkiye, providing critical support for economic development and modernization.”
Both sides acknowledged the need to address trade barriers and foster a high-level economic dialogue to unlock the full potential of their partnership.
A Syrian anti government fighter shoots against a large banner bearing a picture of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, hanging on the facade of a municipal building in the west-central city of Hama on December 5, 2024. - Islamist-led rebels captured the central Syrian city of Hama on December 5, days after seizing the country's commercial hub Aleppo in a lightning offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's forces. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP) / ?The erroneous PHOTOGRAPHER appearing in the metadata of this photo has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Bakr ALKASEM] instead of [Rami AL SAYED]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.?
An aerial picture shows members of Syria's White Helmets civil defence service clearing vehicle carcasses and rubble from a street in Aleppo on December 5, 2024. - Islamist-led rebels captured the central Syrian city of Hama on December 5, days after seizing the country's commercial hub Aleppo in a lightning offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's forces. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP)
3. Syria’s reconstruction and stability
The leaders devoted significant attention to the situation in Syria, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to ensure peace, stability, and reconstruction.
Erdogan highlighted the devastating toll of Syria’s prolonged conflict:
“Millions of lives have been uprooted, and the country’s infrastructure has been destroyed. Türkiye is ready to lead international efforts to rebuild Syria and provide hope to its people,” he said.
Von der Leyen stressed the E.U.’s commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery:
“Syria’s future lies in a peaceful transition that preserves its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the aspirations of its diverse population,” she stated.
The E.U. has allocated €160 million in humanitarian aid for Syria in 2024, with plans to further increase support as reconstruction efforts progress.
Türkiye and the E.U. agreed on the importance of safeguarding Syria’s minorities and ensuring an inclusive political process that addresses the needs of all Syrians.
This handout photograph taken and released by the Turkish presidential press service on December 17, 2024, shows European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R) posing with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara. (AFP Photo)
4. Counter-terrorism: A shared commitment
The leaders underlined the critical importance of counter-terrorism cooperation, particularly in light of the resurgence of Daesh in eastern Syria.
Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s role as a frontline state in the fight against terrorism, noting its success in combating both terrorist organizations Daesh and the PKK:
“Türkiye has consistently demonstrated its commitment to global security, and we expect our allies to support our legitimate security concerns,” he said.
Von der Leyen echoed these sentiments:
“Preventing the resurgence of Daesh is a shared priority. Türkiye plays a vital role in ensuring stability and countering terrorism in the region,” she remarked.
Chidren play in front of a destroyed building at the Yarmouk camp for Palestinian refugees in the south of Damascus on December 14, 2024. - Islamist-led rebels took Damascus in a lightning offensive on December 8, ousting president Bashar al-Assad and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP)
A Turkish soldier checks documents as Syrian refugees who lives in Turkey wait at Cilvegozu crossborder gate before entering in Syria at Reyhanli distict in Hatay, on December 9, 2024. - Islamist-led rebels declared on December 8, 2024, that they have taken the Syrian capital in a lightning offensive, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
5. Migration and humanitarian aid
Migration management was another key topic of discussion, with both leaders recognizing Türkiye’s pivotal role in hosting millions of refugees and managing migration flows.
Türkiye currently hosts over 4 million refugees, making it the world’s largest host country.
Von der Leyen announced a €1 billion package for 2024 to support Türkiye’s efforts, including:
Funding for healthcare, education, and social programs for refugees.
Strengthening border security and combating human trafficking.
Facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.
Erdogan emphasized the need for equitable burden-sharing:
“Türkiye has shouldered the weight of this crisis for over a decade. It is time for the international community, particularly the E.U., to step up and share the responsibility.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (not seen) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speak during a joint press conference in Ankara on December 17, 2024. (AA Photo)
Statements from Ursula von der Leyen
Von der Leyen provided detailed insights into the E.U.’s strategy for addressing the Syrian crisis and supporting Türkiye’s efforts:
She highlighted the E.U.’s position as Syria’s largest donor, with over €33 billion in contributions since 2011, and reaffirmed the E.U.’s commitment to rebuilding essential infrastructure such as electricity and water systems in Syria.
Von der Leyen also announced the deployment of the E.U.’s top diplomat to Damascus, marking a renewed focus on engaging with all relevant stakeholders.
On sanctions against the Assad regime, she clarified:
“Sanctions can only be lifted if genuine progress is made toward a peaceful transition. Reconstruction efforts must go hand in hand with political reforms.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (L) speak during a joint press conference in Ankara, on December 17, 2024. (AA Photo)
Looking ahead
Both Erdogan and von der Leyen expressed optimism about the future of Türkiye-E.U. relations and their ability to address shared challenges.
Upcoming priorities:
Organizing a Türkiye-E.U. Summit to discuss strategic issues.
Progressing on Türkiye’s E.U. accession process.
Strengthening cooperation on counter-terrorism, migration, and economic development.
Von der Leyen concluded:
“Türkiye is a key partner in ensuring regional stability and addressing global challenges. Our shared priorities provide a strong foundation for deepening our relationship in the years to come.”
Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to a stronger partnership with the E.U.:
“Türkiye and the E.U. have much to achieve together. Through mutual respect and cooperation, we can build a brighter future for our nations and the region.”
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