German Chancellor Angela Merkel explained on a German television programme on 7 October 2015 that whilst recognising Turkey’s key role in finding a long lasting solution to the refugee crisis, she is opposed to Turkey’s EU membership. Regarding the refugee crisis, Merkel stressed the importance of discussing the issue of sharing the burden with Turkey. She further reminded that this would mean granting further financial support to Turkey and meeting some of Turkey’s demands regarding the visa liberalisation process.  Confirming the fact that her stance towards Turkey’s EU membership remains unchanged, Chancellor Merkel expressed the following: “I have always been opposed to Turkey’s EU membership and I am still opposed”. She further reminded that President Erdoğan is aware of her stance in that respect.

IKV Chairman of the Board of Directors Ayhan Zeytinoğlu evaluated German Chancellor Merkel’s comments as follows:

IKV Chairman: “This will neither be the first, nor the last assessments of Chancellor Merkel”

“As the Chairman of the Board of Directors of a civil society organisation which has been embodying for the last 50 years its identity as ‘Turkey’s EU expert’, I must express my regrets regarding German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s comment regarding her opposition to Turkey’s EU membership.

One should not forget that beyond the fact that Turkey has a strong partnership with the EU, it has a 50 year long history with the EU.

In the context of this long history, we are now completing the 10^th anniversary of the beginning of accession negotiations this year.  

Since the very early stage, the relations between both parties have been and are still carried out within the perspective of Turkey’s EU membership goal and within the framework of specific rules.

In that context, I believe that all parties should take a stand to further develop Turkey-EU relations.

Without doubt, there have been and there are still opponents to Turkey’s EU membership; but it is of utmost importance not to show an obstructive vision and to respect the main principles upon which Turkey-EU relations have been established.

We see once more with regret that German Chancellor Merkel is continuing to emphasize that our country’s journey towards EU membership goes through Berlin. This would surely not be Merkel’s neither first, nor her last assessment in that respect. Nevertheless, we should by no means renounce to insist for Turkey’s EU membership. 

Just as the 2004 enlargement has been one of the most critical stages in the vision of an United Europe, Turkey’s EU membership will complement this vision. In light of the ongoing refugee crisis, it has become clear that today it is impossible to overcome the challenges faced by the EU without Turkey’s contribution. Within this context, we need more than ever a vision that has enabled us to launch of accession negotiations with Turkey and a leadership among both parties”.