EU Wants to have Stronger Ties with Türkiye

(MENAFN) The European Union is aiming to repair and strengthen its strained relations with Türkiye, as stated by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. Brussels sees Ankara as a key partner once the Ukraine conflict reaches a resolution.

Kos noted that the EU will need a “strong partnership” with Türkiye in the post-conflict landscape.

Ties between Brussels and Ankara have been tense in recent years due to stalled EU accession talks, disagreements over the Customs Union, migration issues, and Türkiye’s foreign policy. The EU has also criticized Türkiye for alleged democratic backsliding, citing repression of opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan—an accusation Ankara denies, calling it politically motivated and accusing the EU of double standards.

Despite these challenges, Kos emphasized that Türkiye could play a pivotal role in a post-conflict order, including as a peacekeeper and regional influencer in the Black Sea.

“Peace in Ukraine will change the realities in Europe, especially in the Black Sea region. Türkiye will be a very important partner for us,” she said in a written statement ahead of her two-day visit to Ankara. “Preparing for peace and stability in Europe implies preparing a strong partnership with Türkiye.”

During the visit, Kos met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Both sides reaffirmed Türkiye’s EU candidate status and highlighted cooperation in security, connectivity, and economic integration. Fidan stressed the pressing need to modernize the 30-year-old Customs Union, which Ankara argues limits its trade and market access. Changes are dependent on Cyprus lifting its veto linked to Türkiye’s restrictions on Cyprus-flagged ships.

Ahead of the trip, Kos also confirmed that the European Investment Bank will resume lending to Türkiye with €200 million in renewable energy loans, after halting new financing in 2019 over disputes with Cyprus.

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