Turkish President Erdoğan has asserted Turkey’s goal of EU membership, citing a need for Turkish influence amidst changing geopolitical dynamics due to U.S. policy shifts. While some European leaders see value in Turkey, significant political barriers and concerns over human rights remain. This development poses threats to Greece and Cyprus, prompting Greece to strengthen its alliances for regional stability.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has emphasized his country’s ambition to join the European Union (EU), stating, “At every opportunity, I emphasize that this is our strategic goal.” Despite his assertive tone, his remarks show a lack of respect towards the EU, claiming, “If the EU wants to prevent its loss of power, it can only do so through Turkey’s full membership.” Such declarations reflect Turkey’s longstanding desire for EU accession but are now influenced by shifting geopolitics, particularly due to U.S. foreign policy shifts under Donald Trump.
Erdoğan’s renewed call for EU membership coincides with the U.S.’s retreat from its role as a primary security architect for the West, creating uncertainty in Europe. Nations are eager to fill this security vacuum, and Erdoğan seeks to position Turkey as a crucial player amidst this geopolitical reshuffle. His ambitions extend beyond local issues, targeting global influence through military and diplomatic endeavors, including a call for a Muslim member on the UN Security Council.
Despite the provocative nature of Erdoğan’s statements, some European leaders are reassessing Turkey’s relevance. Sinan Ülgen, a former Turkish diplomat, noted that excluding Turkey is no longer an option, emphasizing that “European countries that thought they had the luxury of excluding Turkey until today are now seeing that they cannot exclude Turkey anymore.” NATO Secretary-General Rutte has similarly called for the EU to strengthen ties with Turkey to enhance its military capabilities.
However, the EU is not primarily a military alliance, and political barriers hinder deepening relations. Key issues include Turkey’s human rights record and erosion of the rule of law, which remain impediments to meaningful accession negotiations. Additionally, the unresolved Cyprus conflict and Turkey’s ties with Russia complicate its potential acceptance into the EU, especially regarding ongoing military concerns about Russia’s actions.
The geopolitical dynamics surrounding Turkey’s EU aspirations are particularly poignant for Greece and Cyprus, who perceive EU membership as leverage against Turkish aggression. As Erdoğan’s influence grows, Greece fears the implications of a more powerful Turkey in Europe, exacerbated by a potential deterioration of international norms. Concerns intensify around U.S. foreign policy, with Greek commentators warning of possible territorial concessions to Turkey under a Trump administration.
The Greek government has taken a cautious approach, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledging little change in U.S. stance towards Greece while emphasizing the country’s stabilizing role in the region. Simultaneously, Greece aims to strengthen its alliance with Israel, which could enhance its geopolitical position and appeal to unpredictable U.S. leadership, contrasting Erdoğan’s alignment with Hamas, which poses challenges for Turkey’s EU aspirations.
In summary, Erdoğan’s assertive push for Turkey’s EU membership reflects changing geopolitical dynamics, particularly in the wake of U.S. foreign policy shifts. While some European leaders recognize Turkey’s potential influence, significant political and human rights issues remain barriers. The evolving relationship poses particular concerns for Greece and Cyprus, who see Turkish aggression as a threat. Greece is adopting a cautious strategy while strengthening its alliances, aiming to stabilize its regional position in the face of uncertainties.
Original Source: www.ekathimerini.com
