“Issues such as the retreat of democracy, the rule of law, individual rights and the independence of the judiciary were not taken into account,” the report said. commission in the latest progress report on Turkey in 2022. The situation is getting worse and worse: “Concerns about economic policy and the functioning of the free market have intensified.” Nevertheless, the report notes that Turkey remains an important strategic partner on issues such as migration, climate protection and energy security.

Ankara continues to play an important role as an intermediary in extending the agreement between Russia and Ukraine on the export of Ukrainian grain. Prime ministers and heads of EU member states came under fire when Turkey issued threats against Greece and Cyprus, violating the territory of both Cyprus and Greece on several occasions.

From Ankara’s side, the analysis of the Turkish Foreign Ministry notes that relations with the EU “sometimes have an upward and sometimes downward course.” Since the coup attempt against Erdogan in July 2016, bilateral relations have deteriorated, the ministry acknowledged. However, the EU remains a strategic partner for Turkey, the analysis highlights, highlighting the importance of the EU-Turkey refugee agreement. Despite any problems, Ankara has not abandoned the goal of full EU membership: “But first, the EU must solve its internal problems,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“Accession talks are not dead, but in a coma”

Since 2018, negotiations on Turkey’s accession to the EU have been practically frozen. Negotiations could continue immediately after the presidential elections, provided that Ankara accepts indirect recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, since Turkish troops have been occupying the northern part of Megalonissos for almost 50 years. “The accession talks are not dead, but in a coma,” Turkey expert Amanda Paul of the Center for European Policy in Brussels told DW.

According to the expert, if Tayyip Erdogan remains in power, the likelihood of coming out of a coma will be small. But it depends not only on Turkey, but also on the EU, says Amanda Paul: Both the member states and Brussels do not show much zeal in relations with Turkey: “EU membership is still very popular in Turkey. Almost 70% of the population want their country to join the EU.” emphasizes the expert.

At a meeting with her Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Istanbul in July 2022, German Foreign Minister Analena Berbock issued a sharp criticism of Turkey. However, at the same time, he made it clear that he does not want a new front of confrontation with Ankara, because the West wants cooperation in NATO against Russia.

The EU and NATO are waiting for the green light from Ankara for Sweden to join NATO after the elections in Turkey. President Erdogan pre-election blocked for tactical reasons the decision to admit Sweden and Finland to the North Atlantic Alliance. In April, he lifted the Turkish veto on Finland’s accession. He is expected to do the same for Sweden in July.

Source: DV