Writing for T24, veteran journalist Zeynel Lüle, who spent over 30 years reporting from Strasbourg and Brussels, characterized the current impasse as a mutual hesitation that has left both parties "standing motionless in the middle of the bridge." According to Lüle, Europe tends to remember Turkey only during moments of crisis, while Turkey continues to view Europe as a distant horizon. This dynamic, he argues, has benefited neither side, instead empowering anti-democratic forces in Turkey and far-right movements across Europe.
The historical trajectory of Turkey-EU relations traces back to 1959 when Ankara first applied for membership in the European Economic Community. The 1963 Ankara Agreement and the 1995 Customs Union marked significant milestones, culminating in Turkey's official recognition as a candidate country in 1999. Full membership negotiations commenced on October 3, 2005, raising expectations that accession was within reach.
However, the process gradually stalled due to the unresolved Cyprus dispute, democratic backsliding in Turkey, and what analysts term "enlargement fatigue" within the EU. Today, Brussels classifies Turkey as a "strategic partner" rather than a prospective member, with cooperation largely confined to migration management and energy security.
Despite political tensions, economic interdependence remains robust. Turkey ranks as the EU's fifth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volume increasing by 59 percent over the past five years. The EU market, comprising 448 million consumers and a GDP of $15.1 trillion, continues to represent Turkey's most significant commercial relationship.
The March 2016 migration deal between Turkey and the EU remains operational, with Ankara hosting millions of refugees in exchange for European financial support. On visa liberalization, Turkey has fulfilled 66 of 72 required criteria, with the European Parliament indicating the process could advance once remaining benchmarks are met.
Energy cooperation presents another area of strategic convergence. Turkey serves as a crucial transit corridor for European energy security, with ongoing projects aligning Turkish infrastructure with the ENTSO-E electricity network. Hydrogen production and transportation further position Turkey as a key player in Europe's green energy transition.
The CHP's recent party congress has injected new momentum into discussions about Turkey's European future. The inclusion of former diplomat Kaya Türkmen, who served as ambassador in various European capitals, in the party's council signals serious intent regarding EU engagement. European democratic parties have expressed enthusiasm about potential cooperation with a CHP-led government.
Observers note that completing the metaphorical bridge requires courage and sincerity from both sides. Turkey must demonstrate genuine commitment to democratic reforms and rule of law, while the EU must maintain a credible membership perspective. As Lüle concluded, success would fulfill Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's vision of reaching "contemporary civilization" while disappointing extremists on both sides who benefit from continued division.
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