Erdogan gives up Europe: We don't need the EU.

We will not be the side that surrenders. To tell the truth, we no longer need EU membership”, Erdogan has said, broadcast Express.

Twelve-year-long talks on membership in Turkey's bloc have stalled, with the EU particularly critical of Ankara's war after last year's failed stamp. Tens of thousands of people, including teachers and journalists, have been arrested.

Erdogan's government says EU states have failed to assess the gravity of the threat Turkey faced, and that they do not respond to demands to extradite the suspects.

“The EU let us down in the fight against terrorism”, Erdogan has said.

He has also suggested that the EU, however, needs Turkey.