The European Union is changing its approach to Turkey due to the mass arrests of protesters in Istanbul, but is seeking to maintain a strategic partnership.
The European Union said on Wednesday that it was forced to “carefully review” its relations with Turkey after a wave of protests and repression, but at the same time stressed that Ankara remains an important partner. This was reported by AFP.
Mass demonstrations in Turkey began after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a popular opposition politician. The detainees include students, journalists and activists.
“In view of recent events, we must review our contacts very carefully, keeping channels open to discuss important issues. Turkey is a strategic partner for us,” said European Commission spokesperson Marcus Lammert.
The EU finds itself in a difficult situation: on the one hand, Brussels wants to expand security cooperation with Turkey, while on the other, it expresses concern about the state of democracy in the country, which remains an EU candidate.
“We will continue to raise issues related to the rule of law. It is important for us that Turkey is part of the European system of values,” Lammert added during the press conference.
The day before, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Martha Kos cancelled her visit to Turkey, where she was to meet with Ankara’s foreign minister, citing “recent events” in the country as the reason.
Despite the tensions, Turkey and the EU will hold their first economic talks in six years on Thursday. They will be attended by Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek.
Relations between Brussels and Ankara have deteriorated significantly following the harsh repression that began in Turkey after the failed coup attempt in 2016. The conflict with Greece over gas production in the Eastern Mediterranean is also creating tensions.
However, according to analysts, in the context of the war in Ukraine, the EU and Turkey are forced to engage in a more pragmatic dialogue. In particular, according to the Financial Times, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on European leaders to cooperate more actively with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in private discussions.
