Turkey opts for silence on von der Leyen remarks to avoid straining EU ties

Turkey opts for silence on von der Leyen remarks to avoid straining EU ties Submitted by Ragip Soylu on Thu, 04/23/2026 - 11:49 Top EU official’s remarks suggesting Turkey as a malign influence sparked a stir, but Ankara has chosen to ignore them after a Brussels clarification, amid economic and strategic concerns European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits the Roll of Honour during her tour of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on 24 March 2026 (AFP/David Gray) Off Turkey has opted to stay silent after remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen appeared to place Ankara alongside China and Russia as a potential malign influence, Middle East Eye understands. A swift clarification from Brussels appears to have satisfied officials in Ankara, which showed little appetite for confrontation at this stage. "There will likely be no formal statement of criticism or condemnation since the Commission has released an official clarification," a Turkish official told MEE.