Senior Italian media figures voiced strong backing for Türkiye's accession to the European Union at a gathering in Naples, describing the country as a pivotal regional power whose membership would strengthen the bloc.
Giulio Pecora, foreign news director of the Ansa agency, told Anadolu Agency that the EU would be economically and politically weaker without Türkiye, adding that membership would eventually come. He described Türkiye as "the most important country in the region" and predicted it would become Europe's leading power after joining.
Il Mattino journalist Almerico Di Meglio argued that most Europeans underestimate Türkiye's significance, and said full membership was necessary for broader global stability.
Enrico Tibuzzi, coordinator of the Ansamed news agency, put Türkiye's chances of joining at 50 percent, warning that France could pose a significant obstacle to the process.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in January 2007, in its own words.