In a recent interview with French broadcaster France 24, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made a powerful plea to the European Union to return to the “pre-Sarkozy” era for his country. This call for a reset in relations comes at a crucial time as Turkey and the EU navigate through a complex and often strained relationship.
Fidan emphasized the importance of restoring the close ties that existed between Turkey and the EU before Nicolas Sarkozy became the French President in 2007. He stated that during this time, Turkey was on a positive trajectory towards EU membership and relations between the two were flourishing. However, with Sarkozy’s opposition to Turkey’s accession to the EU, the relationship has been marred by political tensions and setbacks.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that Turkey has always been a strong ally and a reliable partner for the EU, playing a crucial role in addressing issues such as the refugee crisis and countering terrorism. He also highlighted Turkey’s significant economic contributions to the EU, with the country being the EU’s fourth-largest trading partner.
Fidan’s call for a return to the “pre-Sarkozy” era is not just about improving bilateral relations, but also about addressing the current challenges facing both Turkey and the EU. He stressed the need for cooperation and solidarity in addressing issues such as terrorism, irregular migration, and regional conflicts.
One of the main obstacles in the EU-Turkey relationship has been the stalled accession talks. Turkey has been a candidate for EU membership since 1999, but the process has been slow and fraught with obstacles. Fidan urged the EU to take a more positive approach towards Turkey’s membership and to fulfill its promises made during the accession talks.
Turkey has made significant progress in meeting the EU’s criteria for membership, including political and economic reforms. However, the slow progress and lack of clarity from the EU have led to frustration and disappointment in Turkey. Fidan’s call for a return to the “pre-Sarkozy” era is a reminder to the EU of the potential benefits of having Turkey as a member.
Moreover, Fidan’s words also serve as a reminder of the shared values and history between Turkey and the EU. Turkey has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1949 and has been a NATO ally since 1952. The country has also been a part of numerous EU programs, and millions of Turkish citizens hold European values and identity.
Fidan’s call for a reset in EU-Turkey relations is not just a political move but also a reflection of the will of the Turkish people. Despite the challenges and setbacks, a majority of the Turkish population still holds a positive view of the EU and supports the country’s membership.
In recent years, there have been efforts from both sides to improve the relationship. The EU-Turkey Statement in 2016 aimed to address the refugee crisis and has been successful in reducing irregular migration. The recent renewal of the EU-Turkey Customs Union is also a positive step towards strengthening economic ties.
However, there is still much work to be done in rebuilding trust and cooperation between Turkey and the EU. Fidan’s call for a return to the “pre-Sarkozy” era is a call for the EU to recognize Turkey’s importance as a partner and to work towards a positive and mutually beneficial relationship.
The EU has always been a strong advocate for democracy, human rights, and rule of law. These are values that Turkey shares and strives to uphold. Fidan’s call for a reset in relations is a call for the EU to support and encourage Turkey’s efforts in these areas.
In conclusion, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s call for a return to the “pre-Sarkozy” era is a timely reminder of the strong ties and shared values between Turkey and the EU. It is a call for the EU to recognize Turkey’s potential and to work towards a positive and constructive relationship. As both sides face common challenges, it is crucial to set aside past differences and focus on building a strong and prosperous partnership. Let us hope that the EU heeds Fidan’s words and takes steps towards a reset in EU-Turkey relations.
