Rethinking… Türkiye and the EU
Türkiye might not want to join the EU at the moment, but it would certainly like a lot more out of its current relationship with Brussels. During the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign, Boris Johnson, who would later become the UK’s prime minister, made great play of the fact that Türkiye would soon become a member […] Rethinking… Türkiye and the EU was originally published on Emerging Europe .
Türkiye and the EU have been in a relationship that has evolved over time, but the two sides remain at odds over what each wants from the other. Boris Johnson, who later became UK Prime Minister, played up the idea of Türkiye joining the EU during the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign. However, Türkiye's EU membership bid stalled in 2018 due to democratic backsliding, concerns over the rule of law, and unresolved political disputes involving Cyprus.
The EU has been trying to improve the operation of the Customs Union and to treat security as a common ground, but this has been met with resistance from Türkiye. The EU has offered billions of euros in financial aid to Türkiye, particularly through the European Investment Bank, but Turkey has not fully embraced these offers. The EU has also attempted to strengthen visa liberalisation and access to the 'Made in Europe' industrial framework, but Türkiye has not been forthcoming.
The Cyprus issue remains a significant obstacle, as Türkiye only recognizes the northern part of the island and blocks Turkey's NATO membership. The rule of law issue in Türkiye also poses a challenge for the EU, as Erdoğan's government has been accused of violating democratic norms. Despite these challenges, there is some cooperation between the two sides, particularly in defense, trade, and migration.
However, a clear settlement on Cyprus and rule of law reforms is needed before any significant progress can be made in the EU-Türkiye relationship.
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