Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared at the press conference that Turkey’s interest in joining the European Union is waning. However, making such bold statements Mr. Erdogan highlighted that Turkey is still ready to become the EU country in case its membership is greenlighted. “If you still want to see Turkey knock at Europe’s door, you are wrong. Turkey is not going to beg for the EU membership. If we are not admitted, we will follow our own path,” Turkey’s president said. Besides, the policymaker noted that the government has been closely monitoring the state of affairs in the European Union, thus testing the EU possibilities in emergency situations. Citing the president, Ankara is trying to find out whether “this organization is really a democratic system or a Christian club.” In late 2014, Recep Erdogan voiced fierce criticism of the EU governing board. “Brussels is in no position to give Turkey lessons on democracy. Take the trouble to come here [Turkey] so that Turkey can instead teach you [the EU] a lesson in democracy,” the Turkish leader stated. Erdogan’s tough remarks followed in response to a media crackdown. Brussels accused Turkey of arresting 20 well-known journalists who were suspected of involvement in the anti-government cause. Importantly, Turkey has been a candidate for the EU admission since 2005. However, the talks reached deadlock as Ankara and Brussels are facing serious clashes on the territorial integrity of Cyprus. Moreover, a lot of European policymakers are unwilling to admit the Muslim country in the EU.