The European Union is accelerating plans to improve ties with Turkey, aiming to boost trade relations next year, even as Ankara looks toward other international alliances due to frustration with Brussels, Bloomberg reported on Friday.
The EU’s three-stage plan includes increasing high-level meetings, relaunching European Investment Bank operations in Turkey and modernizing the customs union, according to sources. This effort aims to solidify partnerships amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the EU wanting Turkey’s help in preventing sanction circumventions. Turkey’s role in migration control and NATO defense efforts also underscores its importance.
However, Turkish officials express dissatisfaction with Europe over delays in issues like visa-free travel and customs union updates. This frustration has led Turkey to explore alternatives, including joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and engaging with BRICS.
Despite signing a customs union agreement with the EU in 1995 and becoming a candidate for EU membership in 2005, Turkey’s accession talks have stalled. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, after a NATO summit, criticized EU nations for restricting defense exports needed by Turkey. He urged Germany to lift its block on Eurofighter Typhoon jet sales.
The European Commission’s proposed approach is sequenced and reversible, aiming to navigate bilateral sensitivities. They have launched a high-level trade dialog and plan to restart EIB operations post-summer. Efforts to facilitate visa applications for students and businesspeople are also underway. If progress continues, the EU hopes to start customs union negotiations next year.
EU leaders have stressed the importance of reciprocity and progress on the Cyprus issue, with some member states emphasizing this in closed-door discussions. Cyprus remains divided since Turkey’s 1974 intervention following a Greek-backed coup.