The European Commission and the EU High Representative, in their joint report on EU relations with Turkey, recommend that additional steps be taken in key areas of cooperation, “in a progressive, proportionate and reversible manner”, linking the progress of relations between them by maintaining stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“Turkey is a very important key partner for the EU” and a candidate country, stressed the High Representative, Josep Borrell, noting that “within a complex geopolitical context”, the EU wants to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with it. Z. Borrell reminded that this report follows the mandate given by the European Council of June 2023 and that the first evaluation of EU-Turkey relations was done in the spring of 2021, “when we were going through a difficult phase in our relations” , with tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, difficulties in bilateral relations with some member states and trade barriers. “We have seen a more constructive attitude since then, on these points, although there are still pending issues – to a large extent on Cyprus,” Z Borel said..

The report on EU-Turkey relations describes the state of political, economic and trade relations between the two sides and is more or less in line with the conclusions of the 2021 European Council.

In particular, the report points out that “the EU maintains a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey”. To continue these efforts, “the European Commission and the High Representative recommend that “additional steps be taken towards constructive engagement in key areas of cooperation, in a progressive, proportionate and reversible manner, and on the basis of the conditions set by the European Council, while they remain determined to use the means and options available to the EU to defend its interests and those of its member states.” In addition, the Commission and the EU High Representative emphasize that in order to activate key areas of EU-Turkey cooperation, it is a condition that Turkey maintains its constructive efforts in certain areas, “including the sovereign rights of EU member states”.

The report points out that since the European Council of March and June 2021, efforts have been made by both sides (EU and Turkey) to stop the escalation of tension in the Eastern Mediterranean and to continue cooperation in specific areas. Turkey has since demonstrated a more constructive stance on a range of issues, including its bilateral relations with several EU member states and a number of long-standing trade disputes, the Commission notes, stressing that “these are positive steps forward that must to be preserved”.

In the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, it is noted that Turkey has led some useful initiatives, including the facilitation of vital exports from Ukraine. However, it is underlined that “Turkey’s recent efforts to tackle the circumvention of sanctions through its territory have yet to yield tangible results”.

It also mentions Turkey’s military support for regional conflicts, as well as its views on Hamas, which are at odds with EU positions.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, the Commission emphasizes that Turkey’s attitude, as well as its statements about a “two-state solution” are a big challenge.

Also, due to the serious domestic situation in Turkey regarding human rights and the rule of law, including the non-implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), “the EU-Turkey relationship clearly faces many obstacles that need to be overcome,” the report says. The dialogue on the rule of law and fundamental rights will remain an integral part of the EU-Turkey relationship.

It is also pointed out that the EU has a strategic interest in developing a relationship with Turkey, in all possible areas, based on trust and a culture of consensus, especially in the context of wider geopolitical changes.

“Continuing dialogue in good faith, including on Cyprus, while refraining from unilateral actions could lead to the development of a more cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship,” the report says, then adds: “Efforts to bridge key differences with in Ankara must continue. A progressive, proportionate and reversible approach to activating key areas of cooperation, as set out in the European Council conclusions of June 2021, should continue to be implemented.”

At the same time, the EU’s determination to use, if necessary, the means and options at its disposal to defend its interests and those of its member states remains in place.

As in 2021, so now, the Commission and the EU High Representative, in order to activate key areas of EU-Turkey cooperation, propose as a condition that Turkey maintain its constructive efforts in certain areas, including the sovereign rights of member states of the EU.