The European Parliament recently approved a report by the EU's rapporteur for Turkey, Nacho Sánchez Amor, that sharply criticizes Turkey's democratic backsliding, citing issues with terror laws, freedom of expression, and political imprisonments. The report concludes that under current conditions, EU membership and accession negotiations remain impossible. Turkey's Foreign Ministry responded harshly, particularly objecting to sections linking President Erdoğan's visit to Northern Cyprus with occupation.
Despite this parliamentary rebuke, the relationship continues on security grounds. One day after the report's approval, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan led a high-level delegation to Warsaw for the EU's Informal Foreign Ministers Meeting (Gymnich). This apparent contradiction reveals the new dynamics driving EU-Turkey relations.
Strategic Security Importance
Turkey plays a critical role in the European security architecture as NATO's southeastern anchor. With the return of Donald Trump to the White House, Turkey's strategic value has only increased. The EU potentially sees Turkey as a preferable peacekeeping force rather than Russian troops in any future Russia-Ukraine settlement.
Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski highlighted Turkey's potential role, noting that "If the US backs away, Turkey maintains open communication channels with both sides" of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Existing Security Framework
Turkey's integration into European security structures runs deeper than many realize. Through NATO, Turkey participates in intelligence sharing and joint operations experience and provides crucial defensive depth for Europe. A Turkish officer was recently appointed to NATO's "Cooperation and Security" unit directorship for the first time, strengthening these ties.
Turkey has participated in multiple NATO operations, including Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Baltic Air Policing, giving it substantial shared operational experience with EU militaries.
Future Cooperation Potential
While standard EU-Turkey relations remain strained, several security cooperation avenues show promise. Recent defense industry agreements between Turkey and Italy demonstrate how Turkish companies might access the European defense market through partnerships, opening up exciting possibilities for future cooperation.
Potential areas for expanded cooperation include C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems integration and cybersecurity initiatives. However, political barriers currently limit Turkey's participation in the European Defense Fund (EDF) and PESCO projects.
Beyond Security
Despite the current security focus, observers note this limited relationship falls short of what a comprehensive EU-Turkey partnership could be. Ideally, cooperation would expand to include green transition initiatives, sustainable energy, youth programs, and development projects.
As Öztürk concludes in his analysis, while Turkey's security-focused relationship with Europe serves immediate needs, the future of Turkey remains culturally and economically tied to Europe. Returning to democratic norms and the rule of law in Turkey could eventually open pathways to a more multifaceted relationship. Still, security cooperation represents the practical reality of EU-Turkey relations.