Breaking barriers: EU paves way for revitalized dialogue with Türkiye

In a significant shift, the European Commission has restructured its approach toward Türkiye, removing it from the category of North African and Middle Eastern countries such as Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Syria. Instead, Türkiye will now be assessed alongside nations with EU membership potential, including Azerbaijan and Armenia.

According to reports in the Turkish media, this development marks a departure from the EU’s previous stance, which effectively sidelined Türkiye from the enlargement process, Caliber.Az reports.

Ankara has long criticized the EU for grouping it with non-candidate nations, arguing that Türkiye should be evaluated within the framework of official or potential candidates for accession. The latest change is seen as an important step in integrating Türkiye into the EU enlargement process in a more structured manner.

Given the longstanding deadlock and uncertainty in Türkiye-EU relations, this realignment has the potential to revitalize discussions. 

The new development means that Türkiye will be able to establish a healthier dialogue with the EU, especially on issues such as updating the Customs Union, speeding up the visa liberalization process and considering the refugee agreement with new conditions.

Another factor influencing this shift is the departure of former EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, who was widely seen as unsupportive of Türkiye’s EU process. Notably, Varhelyi only made his first visit to Ankara two years after assuming office, signalling a lack of engagement. In contrast, his successor, Marta Kos, has taken a more proactive approach, preparing to visit Türkiye just three months into her tenure — a move perceived as a sign of renewed interest in Türkiye’s EU prospects.

While this shift is seen as an important step toward resuming Türkiye’s full membership negotiations, significant hurdles remain. Deep disagreements persist between Türkiye and the EU on key issues such as customs union renewal, visa liberalization, human rights and democracy

Despite the European Commission’s latest move, EU member states remain divided over Türkiye’s accession process. France and Greece continue to approach Türkiye’s membership with scepticism, often citing political and security concerns. In contrast, Germany and Italy favour advancing Türkiye’s EU relations, recognizing the country’s economic and geopolitical significance.

The future of Türkiye-EU relations will depend on the concrete steps taken in the coming months. Türkiye’s central role in EU enlargement policy presents a unique opportunity to rekindle engagement, but the EU’s willingness to overcome double standards toward Türkiye will be decisive. If both sides find common ground, this latest shift could pave the way for renewed momentum in Türkiye’s European integration process.

By Tamilla Hasanova