As his tenure as the head of the European Union delegation to Türkiye comes to an end, Ambassador Christian Berger has praised the progress made by the country in its accession to the EU in recent years. Despite not taking a “big step” towards membership, Ambassador Berger remains optimistic about the future of Türkiye-EU relations.
In a recent interview, Ambassador Berger highlighted the strides Türkiye has made in aligning with EU standards and values. He noted that the country has made significant progress in areas such as human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. This progress, according to him, is a testament to the commitment of the Turkish government in its EU accession process.
One of the major achievements of Türkiye in recent years has been the implementation of the Visa Liberalization Roadmap. This has allowed Türkiye to fulfill most of the requirements set by the EU, leading to the lifting of visa requirements for Turkish citizens traveling to the Schengen area. This has not only strengthened the people-to-people ties between Türkiye and the EU but has also boosted trade and economic cooperation.
Moreover, Ambassador Berger praised Türkiye’s efforts in handling the refugee crisis. As one of the largest hosts of refugees in the world, Türkiye has shown remarkable generosity and solidarity in providing shelter and support to millions of refugees. This has not gone unnoticed by the EU, and Ambassador Berger believes that it is a clear demonstration of Türkiye’s commitment to EU values.
While there have been challenges and setbacks in Türkiye’s accession process, Ambassador Berger remains positive about the future. He believes that Türkiye has the potential to become a strong and prosperous member of the EU. The country’s strategic location, economic potential, and cultural diversity make it an important partner for the EU.
In recent years, the EU and Türkiye have also deepened their cooperation in various areas, such as trade, energy, and security. This has not only benefited both sides but has also contributed to regional stability and prosperity. Ambassador Berger emphasized the importance of continuing this cooperation and building on the progress made so far.
The outgoing head of the EU delegation also acknowledged the challenges that Türkiye faces in its accession process. He noted that the EU expects Türkiye to continue its efforts in areas such as the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression, and the fight against corruption. These are important issues that need to be addressed to strengthen the rule of law and democratic institutions in the country.
Ambassador Berger also highlighted the need for continued dialogue and communication between the EU and Türkiye. He stressed that open and constructive dialogue is crucial for building mutual understanding and finding common ground to overcome challenges.
In conclusion, as Ambassador Berger bids farewell to Türkiye, he leaves behind a message of hope and optimism for the future of Türkiye-EU relations. The progress made by the country in recent years, though not a “big step” towards membership, is a testament to its commitment to EU values and standards. With continued efforts and cooperation, Türkiye has the potential to become a strong and prosperous member of the EU. Let us work together towards this common goal and build a better future for both Türkiye and the EU.
