EU opens way out for Türkiye

While EU member states have agreed on further action against Türkiye over its exploration activities in the Mediterranean, proposals from Greece and other bloc countries to impose stronger economic sanctions have yet to materialize. Despite warnings about sanctions, the EU has left Turkey a way out.

Within the European Union, Greece and Cyprus are the two countries that have proposed tough sanctions against Ankara. This proposal is supported by France, which has its own ambitions in the Mediterranean region and is also in dispute with Türkiye over its support for parties in the civil war in Libya. Currently, France has pushed for industrial, arms and trade sanctions to put pressure on the Turkish economy. Meanwhile, countries that oppose the proposed sanctions against Turkey favor a more moderate approach and maintain the relationship between the EU and Turkey, considering it an important strategic partner of the bloc.

Apart from sanctions against some Turkish officials, member states have supported building relations between the EU and Türkiye, even though the relationship has deteriorated since the failed attempt to oust President Taiip Erdoğan in 2016. Despite the current tensions, Türkiye remains an ally.important EU strategy, especially in the economic, regional security and migration areas. According to EU statistics, Türkiye is one of the five countries with the most trade with the bloc.

European leaders said they were ready to discuss deepening cooperation in the economic and trade fields and better coordination on migration, and suggested resuming regular meetings between their leaders. The current decision by European leaders also shows that EU members want to consult with the new US administration on the next steps that could shape relations in the region for years to come.

Relations with Türkiye are likely to be a key topic of discussion at the next EU meeting in March 2021, and it would not be surprising if EU officials intend to meet directly with President Erdoğan at that time. Successful negotiations would be a prerequisite for restoring peace in the Mediterranean and lay the foundation for bilateral cooperation for the two sides in the future./.