The outgoing head of the European Union delegation to Türkiye, Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, has highlighted significant progress in Türkiye’s EU accession process over the past four years.

Despite the complexities of the Turkish-EU relationship, Türkiye has joined nine EU programs and increased cooperation in various research fields. This development marks a notable shift in the relationship, which has often been marked by political tensions and disagreements over various issues including human rights, judicial independence, and regional conflicts.

High-Level Dialogues and Cooperation

Landrut emphasized the establishment of ten high-level dialogues in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and science, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between Türkiye and the EU. He argued that both sides need to work on developing their relationship to clear misunderstandings and foster better ties. These dialogues are seen as critical steps in bridging gaps and addressing longstanding issues that have hindered progress in Türkiye’s EU accession bid.

These dialogues are part of a broader strategy to integrate Türkiye more closely with EU policies and standards. By participating in these programs, Türkiye aligns itself with EU regulations and practices, which is a prerequisite for any potential accession. This alignment is not only beneficial for Türkiye’s EU bid but also for its own socio-economic development, as it leads to the adoption of best practices in various sectors.

Visa Issues and Solutions

Addressing visa concerns, Landrut denied allegations of a complicated visa process for Turkish citizens, citing a 30% increase in visa applications in 2023. Efforts are underway to increase visa processing capacity to meet the high demand. This increase in applications indicates a strong interest from Turkish citizens in engaging with EU countries, whether for travel, study, or work.

However, visa issues have been a significant point of contention, with many Turkish citizens facing lengthy and complicated processes to obtain EU visas. The EU's efforts to streamline this process are crucial for improving people-to-people contact and fostering greater mutual understanding. Enhanced mobility is a key component of the EU-Turkey relationship, facilitating not just tourism and business but also educational and cultural exchanges.

Strategic Importance and Future Prospects

The EU recognizes the strategic importance of Türkiye as an economic and defense partner, despite stalled accession talks. The renewed focus on strategic and forward-looking relations aims to strengthen ties based on cooperation and mutual benefit. The EU's interest in developing relations with Türkiye reflects a shift towards a more collaborative and strategic partnership.

Türkiye’s role as a key player in the region cannot be understated. Its strategic location, robust economy, and significant military capabilities make it a vital partner for the EU in addressing regional and global challenges. Whether it is managing migration flows, combating terrorism, or ensuring energy security, Türkiye’s cooperation is indispensable.

Furthermore, the EU’s interest in Türkiye is also driven by the need to maintain stability and security in the region. By fostering closer ties with Türkiye, the EU aims to mitigate potential conflicts and promote peace and stability in the neighboring regions. This partnership is seen as mutually beneficial, providing Türkiye with economic and political support while the EU gains a reliable ally in a tumultuous region.

Economic and Humanitarian Contributions

Türkiye has demonstrated significant efforts in handling regional humanitarian crises, particularly with its management of one of the largest refugee populations in the world. As of May 2024, Türkiye hosted over 3.1 million Syrian refugees under temporary protection and additional refugees from various countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. The EU has supported these efforts through substantial financial aid, amounting to billions of euros to address health, education, and basic needs of the refugees.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite these positive developments, the European Commission's latest report expresses concerns over Türkiye’s democratic standards, rule of law, and human rights. The report notes that Türkiye has not reversed the negative trend in these areas, which remains a significant barrier to its EU accession. Moreover, the Commission highlighted the need for Türkiye to address these issues to move forward in the accession process.

Moving Forward

The path to opening the Haspolat checkpoint involves overcoming significant political hurdles. However, the Turkish Cypriot leadership remains resolute in its efforts to enhance connectivity and assert the TRNC's sovereignty. This determination is crucial for the TRNC's future, as it seeks to solidify its status and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

In conclusion, while challenges remain, the advancements in high-level dialogues, increased participation in EU programs, and efforts to streamline visa processes signify a positive trajectory in EU-Turkey relations. The ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation and mutual understanding between Türkiye and the EU are crucial steps towards a potential accession and a stronger partnership in the future.