The recent European Parliament elections have brought about a refreshed and renewed sense of leadership in the European Union. However, this may not bode well for Türkiye’s long-standing desire to join the EU. According to Professor of International Relations, Dr. Mehmet Aksoy, the newly elected European Parliament is likely to remain unsupportive of Türkiye’s accession to the EU.
The election results have shown a significant shift in the political landscape of the European Parliament. The traditional center-left and center-right parties have lost their majority, while the green and liberal parties have gained ground. This change in power dynamics has raised concerns among Türkiye’s leaders, who have been striving for EU membership for decades.
Professor Aksoy believes that this shift in power will have a direct impact on Türkiye’s EU accession process. He states that the green and liberal parties, which have gained significant seats in the Parliament, have historically been more critical of Türkiye’s human rights record and its handling of the Kurdish issue. These parties have also been vocal about their opposition to Türkiye’s authoritarian turn under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Moreover, the recent tensions between Türkiye and several EU member states, including Germany and the Netherlands, have further strained the relationship between the two. The ongoing disputes over issues such as human rights, freedom of speech, and the treatment of refugees have created a rift between Türkiye and the EU, making it even more challenging for Türkiye to gain support for its EU membership.
In addition to the political climate, Professor Aksoy also points out the economic challenges that Türkiye faces in its bid to join the EU. The country’s economy has been struggling in recent years, with high inflation rates and a weakening currency. This has raised concerns among EU officials about the economic stability of Türkiye and its ability to meet the EU’s economic criteria for membership.
Despite these challenges, Türkiye has made significant progress in its EU accession process. The country has implemented numerous reforms to align itself with EU standards, including changes in its legal system, human rights policies, and economic regulations. However, these efforts have not been enough to convince the EU of Türkiye’s readiness for membership.
Professor Aksoy believes that the current political and economic climate in the EU will make it difficult for Türkiye to make any significant progress in its EU accession process. He states that the EU is currently more focused on addressing its internal issues and challenges, such as Brexit and the rise of right-wing populism, rather than expanding its membership.
In light of these challenges, Türkiye must reassess its approach to EU membership. Instead of solely relying on political and economic reforms, the country must also focus on improving its image and reputation in the eyes of the EU. This includes addressing concerns about human rights, freedom of speech, and the rule of law.
Furthermore, Türkiye must also work towards improving its relationship with EU member states. This can be achieved through open and constructive dialogue, as well as a willingness to address and resolve any ongoing disputes.
In conclusion, the refreshed European Parliament is likely to remain unsupportive of Türkiye’s accession to the EU. However, this should not discourage Türkiye from continuing its efforts towards EU membership. The country must use this opportunity to reassess its approach and work towards addressing the concerns of the EU. Only through genuine efforts and a positive image can Türkiye hope to gain the support of the EU and achieve its long-standing goal of joining the European Union.
