The relationship between Türkiye and the European Union (EU) is a complex and multifaceted one, marked by mutual interests and significant challenges.

While Türkiye has long aspired to join the EU, the experiences of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) highlight the significant obstacles imposed by the Greek Cypriot south and the broader EU membership. This dynamic has often left Turkish Cypriots feeling marginalized and economically disadvantaged, raising questions about the fairness and viability of the EU’s policies towards the region.

Türkiye's EU Ambitions

Türkiye’s journey towards EU membership began in 1987, with its formal application. The process has been prolonged and fraught with difficulties, primarily due to political, economic, and cultural concerns from various EU member states. Nevertheless, Türkiye’s strategic location, robust economy, and role as a regional power make it an important candidate for EU membership. The benefits of Türkiye joining the EU are manifold, including enhanced economic cooperation, stronger geopolitical stability, and a richer cultural exchange.

Peter Stano, the European Commission’s lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, recently emphasized the mutual need between Türkiye and the EU. He noted the frustration over the stagnation in Türkiye’s EU accession negotiations, attributing this to the lack of consensus among EU member states, particularly due to vetoes by Greece and Greek Cypriots, leading to a disparity and labeling of the EU as a "Christian Club" with racist connotations.

The TRNC's Struggles with the EU

The situation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) illustrates the harsh realities faced by Turkish Cypriots within the context of EU politics. Since the partition of Cyprus in 1963, which eventually led to the legal intervention of Türkiye following a Greek coup in July 1974, the island has been divided into the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north. The Greek Cypriot administration’s illegal admission into the EU in 2004, despite the island’s division, has exacerbated the isolation of the TRNC.

Despite the EU’s principles of equality and economic support for all its members, Turkish Cypriots have experienced economic strangulation due to the policies influenced by the Greek Cypriot south. The Greek Cypriot administration has leveraged its EU membership to impose economic blockades and political pressure on the TRNC, undermining its economic development and international recognition.

Economic Impact

The economic disparity between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north is stark. While the south has benefited from EU funds, trade agreements, and investment, the TRNC has faced significant economic challenges. These include restrictions on direct trade with the EU, limited access to international markets, and a lack of foreign investment due to political uncertainty and non-recognition. These constraints have stifled the TRNC’s economic growth and hindered its integration into the global economy.

Turkish Cypriots often feel that their economic hardships are not adequately addressed by the EU, which appears to prioritize the interests of its Greek Cypriot member state. This perception is bolstered by instances where the EU has used its economic policies as tools to exert pressure on the TRNC, rather than fostering genuine economic development and cooperation.

The Way Forward

For Türkiye, the path to EU membership remains fraught with challenges, but the mutual benefits of such a partnership are undeniable. Enhanced economic cooperation, political stability, and cultural exchange between Türkiye and the EU would not only benefit both parties but also contribute to broader regional stability.

For the Turkish Cypriots, however, there is a pressing need for the EU to adopt a more balanced and fair approach. This includes recognizing the unique economic and political challenges faced by the TRNC and ensuring that EU policies do not disproportionately disadvantage Turkish Cypriots. The TRNC seeks equal international status and sovereign equality under a two-state solution, rather than integration with the Greek Cypriot south.

In conclusion, while Türkiye’s ambitions for EU membership highlight the potential for a mutually beneficial partnership, the experience of the TRNC underscores the need for a more equitable and fair approach from the EU. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from all parties involved, with a focus on fostering dialogue, economic cooperation, and political stability. Only then can the full potential of Türkiye-EU relations be realized, benefiting not only the immediate stakeholders but also contributing to regional and global stability.