EU's Michel counters von der Leyen on Turkey

Former European Council President Charles Michel has publicly challenged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's recent remarks that grouped Turkey alongside Russia and China as external influences. Michel emphasized Turkey's role as a core NATO ally, a critical energy hub, and a key partner on migration, calling for a more realistic and strategic EU policy towards Ankara. The public disagreement highlights internal EU tensions over how to manage relations with Turkey, balancing its geopolitical importance against concerns over its democratic trajectory. Michel's intervention suggests a push within European institutions to avoid alienating a strategically vital partner.