EU seeks to renew ties with Türkiye Amid Ankara’s shift towards rivals

The European Union is expediting plans to enhance relations with Türkiye, aiming to bolster trade ties next year, even as Ankara increasingly looks towards rival multilateral groups due to frustration over stalled progress with Brussels.

The EU’s executive arm and member states are working on a three-stage plan to increase high-level meetings, resume operations of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Türkiye, and initiate talks to modernize the customs union between both sides, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

This effort is part of the EU's strategy to strengthen alliances against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where it seeks Türkiye's help in preventing sanctions circumvention. Türkiye is also crucial in controlling irregular migration to Europe and plays a vital role in defence as a NATO ally.

However, Türkiye has grown dissatisfied with its broader relationship with Europe, particularly on trade and defence, citing delays in issues like visa-free travel and customs union updates.  

Ankara is exploring alternative alliances with other blocs, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS group, due to its frustration with the EU. Türkiye signed a customs union agreement with the EU in 1995 and has been a candidate for EU membership since 2005, but accession talks have been stagnant for years.

Turkish officials emphasize that Türkiye seeks tangible progress on specific issues rather than empty membership promises, criticizing countries like France and Germany for not recognizing Türkiye’s strategic importance.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has complained about restrictions on arms exports from EU nations, calling for Germany to lift its block on the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Türkiye. This comes shortly after scaling back a $23 billion contract for F-16s with the US and other defence equipment deals.

The EU’s proposed approach is sequenced, proportionate, and reversible. It includes a new high-level dialogue on trade, plans to resume the EIB’s activities in Türkiye after the summer, and efforts to facilitate visa applications for students and businesspeople. If progress continues, negotiations to update the customs union could start next year.

The customs union agreement covers industrial goods but excludes services, public procurement, and most agricultural products. Bilateral trade concessions apply to agricultural, coal, and steel products.

EU leaders have endorsed a gradual strategy to improve ties with Türkiye, emphasizing that Türkiye's constructive engagement is crucial for advancing bilateral cooperation. They stress the importance of reciprocity and gradual progress, particularly in relation to the Cyprus issue. Cyprus remains divided between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, with Türkiye's intervention in 1974 capturing the northern third of the island.