See-sawing relations between the European Union and Turkey, a country that has long aspired to join the bloc, have once again come to the forefront of Ankara’s agenda. This follows President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent drive to revitalize Turkey’s EU membership bid.
Turkey’s desire to become a part of the European Union dates back to the 1960s, when the country first applied for associate membership. Since then, Turkey has made significant progress in aligning its laws and regulations with EU standards, and has implemented a range of political and economic reforms to meet the membership criteria. However, the road to EU accession has been far from smooth, with various obstacles and setbacks along the way.
One of the major challenges in Turkey’s EU membership journey has been the inconsistent stance of the European Union towards the country. On one hand, the EU has recognized Turkey as a key partner in areas such as security, trade, and migration. On the other hand, the bloc has been hesitant to fully embrace Turkey as a member, citing concerns over human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
This see-sawing approach has been frustrating for Turkey, which has often felt like it is being kept at arm’s length by the EU. However, President Erdoğan’s recent actions have signaled a renewed determination to push for EU membership, despite the challenges.
In his speech to the European Parliament in early 2021, President Erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s commitment to its EU membership bid and called for a constructive dialogue with the bloc. He also highlighted the significant progress that Turkey has made in areas such as economic growth, infrastructure development, and refugee management.
Furthermore, President Erdoğan has taken concrete steps towards improving Turkey’s relations with key EU countries. In March 2021, he held a virtual meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, where they discussed issues such as the refugee crisis and Turkey-EU trade relations. This meeting was seen as a positive step towards mending relations between Turkey and Germany, which have been strained in recent years.
President Erdoğan’s efforts to revive Turkey’s EU membership bid have also been met with a positive response from the EU. In July 2021, the European Commission released its annual report on Turkey’s progress towards EU accession, which acknowledged the country’s significant efforts in implementing political and economic reforms. The report also highlighted the importance of maintaining an open and constructive dialogue between Turkey and the EU.
Despite these positive developments, there are still challenges that need to be addressed in order to move the EU-Turkey relationship forward. One of the key issues is the ongoing dispute over natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean. The EU has called for a de-escalation of tensions in the region and has urged Turkey to engage in dialogue with its neighbors to resolve the issue.
Another challenge is the issue of human rights and the rule of law in Turkey. The EU has repeatedly expressed concerns over the state of democracy in the country, especially in the wake of the 2016 coup attempt. It is crucial for Turkey to address these concerns and make tangible progress in areas such as media freedom, judicial independence, and the protection of minority rights.
Despite these challenges, it is clear that both Turkey and the EU have a mutual interest in strengthening their relationship. Turkey, as a key regional power, can play a crucial role in addressing issues such as migration, terrorism, and energy security, which are of great importance to the EU. Similarly, the EU can provide Turkey with economic and political support, as well as access to its vast market, which will be beneficial for both parties.
In conclusion, the see-sawing relations between Turkey and the EU have been a source of frustration for both sides. However, with President Erdoğan’s renewed commitment and efforts to revitalize Turkey’s EU membership bid, there is hope for a more positive and constructive relationship in the future. It is crucial for both parties to engage in open and honest dialogue, address any outstanding issues, and work towards a mutually beneficial partnership. Ultimately, Turkey’s accession to the EU will not only benefit the country, but also contribute to the stability and prosperity of the wider region.