Brussels: Ursula von der Leyen's recent remarks in Hamburg have sparked a debate on the European Union's relationship with Trkiye. At an event marking the 80th anniversary of German weekly Die Zeit, she suggested that Europe must prevent falling under the influence of Russia, Trkiye, or China, inadvertently placing Trkiye in a category typically reserved for strategic rivals.
According to Anadolu Agency, this statement does not signify a formal shift in the EU's approach to Trkiye but reveals a long-standing tension defined by differing interests and geopolitical realities. Paula Pinho, a spokesperson for the European Commission, later clarified that the mention of Trkiye was not intended to equate it with Russia or China but to acknowledge its geopolitical influence, particularly in the Western Balkans.
The broader discourse underscores an underlying unease in Brussels. While the EU views Trkiye as a partner and candidate country, it simultaneously recognizes Ankara as a regional power with interests that do not always align with European preferences. This ambivalence was evident when Trkiye was not invited to a summit with Middle Eastern states in the Greek Cypriot Administration, highlighting the diplomatic challenges in integrating Trkiye into European strategies.
Geographically, Trkiye's strategic position connects Europe to several critical regions, making it a significant player in trade, energy security, and regional stability. The EU is Trkiye's most crucial trading partner, and Ankara plays a vital role in Europe's energy security and supply chains. Moreover, Trkiye's military strength as NATO's second-largest army and its diplomatic engagements in the Ukraine conflict further emphasize its importance.
The relationship between Europe and Trkiye is not solely defined by Brussels. Capitals like Rome, Madrid, and Warsaw have found practical reasons to strengthen ties with Ankara, focusing on defense cooperation, energy, migration, and regional stability. Recent dialogues between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos reaffirmed Trkiye's candidate status and the strategic importance of EU-Trkiye relations.
Trkiye navigates its foreign policy through a lens of geography, domestic politics, and strategic interests, often pursuing paths that diverge from European positions. However, this complexity makes it impossible to manage the relationship through labels alone. Trkiye remains a candidate country, NATO ally, and regional power, challenging the EU to balance real differences with shared strategic interests.
Von der Leyen's remark, though unintended, highlights the central question in EU-Trkiye relations: how to reconcile differing interests with the strategic goals both parties share. The dilemma is one that historical figures like Lord Palmerston and Charles de Gaulle would recognize, emphasizing the need for a realistic European policy toward Trkiye based on interests, constraints, and power dynamics.