Erdoğan Gifts Engraved Pistols to EU Leaders After NATO Summit
Erdoğan Presents Engraved Pistols to European Leaders After NATO Summit
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented engraved pistols with live ammunition as farewell gifts to several European leaders following the conclusion of the NATO Summit in Ankara, according to Politico, citing informed sources.
The gifts were reportedly presented to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and several other European leaders who attended the summit.
The NATO Summit was held in Ankara on July 7–8 and brought together leaders of the Alliance and partner countries.
Security Review of the Gifts
According to the report, António Costa's security team immediately confiscated the pistol for inspection after the ceremony.
European officials noted that the firearms do not comply with Belgium's strict firearms regulations and are therefore unlikely to be kept personally by either Costa or von der Leyen.
The gifts will undergo security and legal assessments before any decision is made regarding their final status.
Other Leaders Received the Same Gift
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten also received engraved pistols from Erdoğan.
According to Politico, both leaders said the firearms would be deactivated before being transported back to their respective countries.
The presentation of the gifts has attracted attention in European media because of differing national regulations governing the possession and transport of firearms.
