German Chancellor backs stronger EU- Türkiye ties discusses Eurofighter deal

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has assessed the Türkiye-Germany relations and the ties between Türkiye and the EU.

Scholz emphasized that it is crucial for Germany to steadfastly maintain its relationship with Türkiye, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. 

“The economic relations between Germany and Türkiye are very strong. Trade, goods, and services exchange continue growing, reaching record levels, and we can expect this trend to continue,” he said.

Noting that one of Germany’s contributions could be fostering the development of Türkiye-EU relations, Scholz said, “That’s why I made intensive efforts to restart negotiations, dialogue, and discussions on matters between the EU and Türkiye. This has happened and will continue. I support this.”

Scholz also addressed the topic of Türkiye’s interest in purchasing Eurofighter jets. 

“Türkiye is keen on strengthening its defence capabilities by acquiring German weapon systems, such as our fighter jets. This matter is currently under consideration in Türkiye, and we have made this possible. Let’s see how this issue progresses in Türkiye,” said Scholz.

Türkiye's efforts to acquire Eurofighter jets have gained traction, as Germany has instructed its sales authority to proceed with the potential sale, despite initially opposing the deal. However, this move does not signify the finalization of the process. Ankara has been negotiating with the Eurofighter consortium members, the UK and Spain, to purchase 40 Typhoon jets, though Germany had previously raised objections.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized Berlin’s position and urged Chancellor Olaf Scholz to remove the blockade. Erdoğan and Scholz recently held talks in Istanbul, during which it was revealed that Germany had tasked its "Temporary Sales Authority" to engage in the sale process, which Ankara believes could expedite the acquisition of the jets.

"Technical work is continuing regarding the procurement of the Eurofighter Typhoon jet, which can be an alternative to meet the operational needs of our Air Force," the person said, adding the issue would be on the agenda during British Defense Minister John Healey's visit to Ankara.

Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler stated that the efforts of Britain, Italy, and Spain played a key role in persuading Germany to give a "positive response" after initially resisting for a long time. He also expressed confidence that the recent collapse of the German government would not affect the procurement process. 

The Eurofighter Typhoon jets are produced by a consortium consisting of Germany, Britain, Italy, and Spain, with companies Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo involved. Türkiye's interest in the Eurofighters emerged after a prolonged attempt to purchase F-16 warplanes from the US. However, Türkiye recently finalized a deal with the US to acquire 40 F-16 fighter jets and 79 modernization kits for its current fleet of F-16s.

By Naila Huseynova