German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier faced criticism for bringing 60 kilograms of döner to Türkiye. During his visit, Steinmeier served döner to guests at the summer residence of the German Embassy in Istanbul, Tarabya. This action drew attention and raised questions, especially after President Erdoğan included Steinmeier in a döner service dinner the day before.
Turkish döner chef Harun Davut emphasized that Türkiye is the birthplace of döner, and there is no need to bring it from abroad. Davut highlighted the importance of quality meat, proper cooking, and skilled chefs in making delicious döner.
On the other hand, the announcement of the application made by Turkey to the European Union (EU) for the registration of döner as a traditional product name was published in the Official Journal of the EU. In the announcement, it was noted that döner had spread from Istanbul to the Ottoman geography since the early 1800s, and it was explained that it spread with the migration of Turks to Europe, especially Germany, from 1962 to 1979. It was noted that döner will be registered after the 3-month objection period expires and will be the first traditional product name from Türkiye to be registered in the EU.