Turkey remains committed to joining BRICS, the economic alliance led by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that Ankara actively seeks full membership after years of being excluded from the European Union. He emphasized that Turkey is exploring multiple economic partnerships as it faces roadblocks in its EU accession process.
Turkey’s BRICS Aspirations and EU Frustrations
Speaking to Bloomberg, Fidan stated that Turkey is considering alternative economic alliances, including BRICS, as part of its broader strategy. He reiterated that while the EU was the country’s first choice, prolonged delays and political barriers have made it necessary to seek other opportunities. Turkey applied for BRICS membership in November 2024 but was only granted partner-country status, which does not include voting rights or full benefits.
Fidan clarified that Ankara is unsatisfied with this secondary position and intends to push for full membership. The Turkish government has long criticized the EU for stalling its accession bid, arguing that cultural and political biases play a role in the decision. Despite being a NATO member, Turkey has increasingly positioned itself as a neutral power, maintaining strong trade and energy ties with Russia while balancing its relationships with the West.
BRICS expansion and De-Dollarization efforts
BRICS has grown significantly in the past year, adding Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Indonesia. Saudi Arabia has also been invited but has yet to decide. Turkey, Malaysia, and Thailand are among the latest countries expressing interest in joining the bloc.
Turkey shows interest in joining BRICS because the organization works to establish financial autonomy from dollar dependence. Several member countries of the bloc engage in trade transactions using their own national currencies as part of their initiative to reduce dependence on the US dollar. Russia drives the cause of a BRICS payment system independent of Washington’s control because it faces Western financial blockade.
US response and internal BRICS tensions
Former US President Donald Trump, set to return to office in 2025, has warned of economic retaliation against countries that move away from the dollar. In a statement, he said that BRICS nations must commit to keeping the dollar as the dominant currency or face 100% tariffs on exports to the US.
Despite its expansion, BRICS faces internal divisions. India asserts concerns that China might gain too much influence over the group yet Brazil seeks to maintain good relations with both US and European powers. The election victory of Donald Trump led Russia to alter its strategy against U.S. financial power since Putin and Trump are expected to strengthen their diplomatic relations.