Turkish President Erdoğan has reiterated Turkey’s desire to join the EU, asserting its strategic importance in maintaining EU influence. His remarks come amid shifting geopolitical dynamics following Donald Trump’s resurgence. Greece and Cyprus view this development with concern, as Turkey’s rising influence poses risks to their national security and regional stability. Greece takes a cautious approach while strengthening ties with Israel to counterbalance Turkey’s aspirations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has intensively emphasized Turkey’s aspiration to join the European Union during a recent engagement with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Ankara. He stated, “At every opportunity, I emphasize that this is our strategic goal,” which reflects his determined approach to accession. Erdoğan further stressed that for the EU to retain its influence, it must initiate Turkey’s full membership, showcasing an assertive stance toward the European community.
Turkey’s renewed push for EU membership coincides with the changing geopolitical landscape following Donald Trump’s return to international politics. European governments find themselves confronted by new realities, as previously unimaginable scenarios are becoming possible. Turkey’s strategic geographical position renders it a pivotal player amid this political maneuvering.
Erdoğan’s overtures towards the EU are not just fortuitous; they are also strategic, occurring as the U.S. diminishes its presence in Western security matters. This U.S. withdrawal leaves a vacuum that Turkey aims to fill, showcasing Erdoğan’s ambition to establish a dominant role in global politics while addressing various crises, including those regarding Ukraine, the Middle East, and the United Nations Security Council. Issues of significant importance now extend beyond regional interactions.
However, the audacity of Erdoğan’s assertion that Turkey could reinvigorate EU relevance poses challenges for many European nations. Although some Turkish officials acknowledge changing sentiments toward EU relations, significant political obstacles remain. Concerns over Turkey’s human rights record and the rule of law impede substantial accession discussions, particularly as Europe continues to grapple with unresolved geopolitical tensions.
The relationship dynamics between Turkey and the EU are of paramount interest to Greece and Cyprus. Both nations consider EU membership as leverage in their disputes with Turkey. As tensions alter the balance of power, Greece expresses concern over Turkey’s increasing influence in Europe, as well as anxieties regarding the potential erosion of international law.
The current Greek administration is cautiously observing developments related to U.S. policy under Trump’s leadership. Statements from officials remain limited, focusing instead on reinforcing Greece’s strategic stability in a precarious environment. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis indicated, “I see no changes in how the U.S. views Greece,” while Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis promotes Greece’s regional stability role.
In this context, Greece’s alliance with Israel, underscored by heightened military collaboration, seeks to enhance its standing with U.S. leaders while serving as a counterbalance to Turkey’s influence in terms of both military and diplomatic relations. Concerns over Erdoğan’s association with Hamas further complicate Turkey’s EU ambitions, potentially alienating broader support from both U.S. and European leaders.
In conclusion, the evolving dynamics between Turkey and the European Union pose significant implications for regional stability, particularly for Greece and Cyprus. Erdoğan’s assertive stance toward EU membership and the geopolitical shifts resulting from U.S. policies underscore the changing landscape. As Europe grapples with these complexities, concerns regarding Turkey’s influence and the implications of Erdoğan’s close ties with entities like Hamas compound the ongoing dialogue about Turkey’s potential role in European security.
Original Source: www.ekathimerini.com
