A political debate erupted in Europe after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned Turkey alongside Russia and China in a recent speech. Speaking at an event in Hamburg marking the 80th anniversary of the German newspaper Die Zeit, von der Leyen reaffirmed her support for European Union enlargement and said Europe must build a more unified geopolitical stance. Her comment that Europe should remain free from the influence of Russia, Turkey, or China drew immediate criticism.

Members of the European Parliament Rudy Kennes and Marc Botenga warned that such remarks risk dividing the world into opposing blocs and ignoring the reality of a multipolar global order. In an interview with Anadolu, Kennes linked the statement to broader geopolitical tensions involving the United States and its allies, arguing that Western influence is declining in a multipolar world.

The European Commission later clarified that Turkey remains an important partner for the EU, citing cooperation on migration management, economic ties, and strategic connectivity through the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor.