Turkish analyst: Ankara may opt out of EU membership

Türkiye is considering abandoning its long-standing goal of full membership in the European Union, potentially shifting towards a model of "privileged partnership," according to Turkish analyst Engin Ozer.

"The administration is planning to abandon the goal of full membership in its relations with the European Union and transition to a model of 'privileged partnership’," Ozer said, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

He explained that Ankara is aiming to establish itself as "a kind of bridge country" that could link Türkiye’s participation in both BRICS and the EU’s Customs Union.

In a related statement, Hakan Topkurulu, deputy chairman of the Turkish Patriotic Party (Vatan Party), remarked that gaining parliamentary approval for Türkiye’s entry into BRICS would not be an easy process, as many pro-Western politicians are in the government.

He described Türkiye's application to join BRICS as an act of "great political courage" and an important step, especially considering "the presence of so many pro-Western figures in parliament."

This development comes as another country recently confirmed its participation in the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan. Ankara's potential shift towards BRICS could signal a major change in Türkiye's foreign policy orientation.

By Khagan Isayev