Europe's Call

Turkey is actively seeking to revitalize its relationship with the European Union, viewing EU membership as a strategic priority. President Erdoğan has emphasized Turkey's integral role in Europe and asserted that European security is incomplete without Turkey's involvement. This renewed interest follows a period of strained relations and stalled accession talks. Several factors are driving Turkey's desire for closer ties. Economically, Turkey faces challenges including high inflation and a weakened currency, making access to the EU market and investment capital highly desirable. Geopolitically, Turkey seeks to strengthen its position amidst regional instability and shifting alliances. The prospect of enhanced security cooperation and access to EU defense initiatives also holds appeal. However, significant obstacles remain. Concerns persist within the EU regarding Turkey's human rights record, rule of law, and democratic backsliding. These issues have been repeatedly cited as barriers to progress in accession negotiations. Furthermore, disputes over maritime boundaries and energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean continue to fuel tensions between Turkey and several EU member states, particularly Greece and Cyprus. Despite these challenges, both Turkey and the EU appear to recognize the potential benefits of a more cooperative relationship. The path forward will require addressing fundamental concerns regarding democratic norms and resolving ongoing geopolitical disputes, but the incentive to strengthen ties is present on both sides. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/10/frdf-m10.html