Erdogan as the savior of Europe? EU employees warn of illusions!

Erdogan as the savior of Europe? EU employees warn of illusions!

The security policy state of the European Union is increasingly perceived as a fragile, which means that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presents itself as a "savior in Europe". This situation shows the EU's weakness and lack of direction, says Harald Vilimsky, the freedom of delegation in the European Parliament. Vilimsky found that, despite its candidate status, Turkey did not meet the basic criteria and, as an unreliable partner, are expelled, especially in migration policy, where it exerts pressure on the EU to put new demands. He emphasized that the EU finally has to set a clear signal to end Turkey's candidate status, since "whoever acts like that, cannot become part of the EU", as Vilimsky put it. These critical comments are in the context of the fact that the accession negotiations have been standing in important areas since 2018 due to the stagnating reforms such as democracy and the rule of law.

In addition, the European Union reports that Turkey has made an application for membership since 1987 and that the accession negotiations were started in 2005. Nevertheless, it was found that none of the necessary negotiation chapters can be opened or temporarily closed as long as Turkey does not apply the additional protocol of the Ankara Association Agreement on Cyprus. According to the EU, Turkey is a strategic partner in the area of ​​climate, migration, security and economy. Despite this partnership, progress in the accession negotiations is stalled and urgent reforms are necessary to advance the EU-Türkiye relationships. This information was emphasized in a report by the European Council, which underlines the need for a constructive commitment in Türkiye to intensify the cooperation.

The recent statements of Erdogan and the continued discussion about Turkey's candidate status put a light on the circumstances that the EU present with challenges. According to Vilimsky, it is time to take the creeping illusion of a possible accession in order to promote clearer and more realistic steps in relationships with Türkiye. The EU has to "finally close the door to Europe for Turkey," said Vilimsky.

For more information about the strategic relationship between the EU and Turkey, read EEAS.EUROPA.EU and for more detailed insights into the membership questions ots.at .