Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

The Turkish government on Monday warned Europe against falling into the "trap of fascism", as it defended comparisons with Nazi Germany that have angered EU leaders.

"We are hearing the marching steps of fascism and Nazism," Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told reporters in Ankara. "Steps need to be taken against that... we are saying these things (to Europe) so they do not fall into the trap of fascism," he added.