EU’s Kallas Seeks Stronger Ties with Türkiye: A New Era for Cooperation?

In a significant move to recalibrate Türkiye-EU relations, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, is set to visit Ankara this Friday.

This visit serves as a crucial recognition of Türkiye’s indispensable role in European security, trade, and diplomacy. Despite historical roadblocks, the EU now appears eager to rekindle constructive dialogue with Türkiye, a key NATO ally and a strategic energy hub.

Türkiye: A Powerhouse Europe Cannot Ignore

Türkiye’s influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, its robust economy, and its geopolitical weight make it an unavoidable partner for the EU. Kallas, acknowledging Türkiye’s significance, stated: "It's high time to visit Türkiye, and I will do it in the first part of my mandate." This declaration signals a shift in Brussels, recognizing that sidelining Türkiye is neither practical nor beneficial for European interests.

Energy, Security, and Mutual Interests

At the heart of the discussions will be energy security and regional stability. The EU’s growing concerns over energy diversification, particularly after geopolitical tensions with Russia, make Türkiye a natural partner. Kallas emphasized this shared priority, stating, "In addition to regional security, we can discuss cooperation in different areas such as energy." Türkiye’s strategic location as an energy corridor between the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Europe underscores its critical role in ensuring supply security.

The EU’s Double Standards on Turkish Accession

Despite being a candidate country for over two decades, Türkiye’s accession talks have been unfairly stalled due to European political biases and contradictions. While Brussels claims concerns over human rights and governance, its preferential treatment of other candidate nations with questionable records exposes its double standards. More pressing is the EU’s one-sided approach to Cyprus, where it continues to unjustly exclude Turkish Cypriots from rightful representation while rewarding the Greek Cypriot side.

Turkish Cypriots: A Voice That Must Be Heard

A critical aspect missing from EU-Türkiye relations is the fair treatment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The EU’s failure to uphold its 2004 promises to end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots remains a glaring injustice. If Brussels is sincere about strengthening ties with Türkiye, it must address this long-standing issue and engage with Turkish Cypriots as equal partners rather than continuing to legitimize the Greek Cypriot administration’s maximalist stance.

A New Diplomatic Path?

Kallas’ visit offers an opportunity for the EU to correct its approach and engage with Türkiye in a manner based on mutual respect rather than outdated prejudices. For Türkiye, the message is clear: while it remains open to dialogue, it will not tolerate being treated as a second-class partner. The ball is in the EU’s court—will Brussels embrace a fairer, more pragmatic policy, or will it continue to undermine its own credibility by sidelining one of its most vital neighbors?

TCE Conclusion

Türkiye has long been a pillar of stability and economic power in its region, and it is high time the EU acknowledges this with actions rather than empty rhetoric. The TRNC must also be factored into these discussions, as any sustainable solution for Cyprus and the broader Eastern Mediterranean hinges on recognizing Turkish Cypriots' rights. If Kallas' visit is to be more than just a symbolic gesture, it must pave the way for genuine engagement based on respect, equity, and geopolitical realism.

References:

• Daily Sabah, "EU’s Kallas Touts Common Interests with Türkiye Ahead of Visit"

• Anadolu Agency, Interview with Kaja Kallas on Türkiye-EU Relations