Between Security and Principles: EU Seeks a New Framework for Relations with Türkiye
World
The European Union and Türkiye will seek to reset their relationship amid growing security challenges and persistent political disagreements. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are set to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for a working dinner in Ankara.
The talks are expected to focus on strategic partnership, defense, migration and energy. Brussels continues to describe Türkiye as an important EU partner and a candidate for membership, although concerns over the rule of law, democracy and the treatment of political opposition remain major points of tension.
As the United States partially scales back its military role in Europe, Ankara's importance to regional security is growing. One key issue is Türkiye's potential participation in the EU's €150 billion Security Action for Europe, or SAFE, defense financing program. Full participation remains restricted due to opposition from Greece and Cyprus.
European politicians see the meeting as an opportunity to move toward a more pragmatic relationship focused primarily on security. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has previously described Türkiye as a key partner on security, migration and energy.
At the same time, members of the European Parliament warn that closer cooperation with Ankara must not come at the expense of the EU's fundamental principles. Concerns remain over press freedom, pressure on opposition parties and the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
The working dinner will become another test for relations between Brussels and Ankara. As Europe's security architecture changes, cooperation with Türkiye is becoming increasingly important, but political disagreements continue to pose a serious obstacle to a full reset.
As the United States partially scales back its military role in Europe, Ankara's importance to regional security is growing. One key issue is Türkiye's potential participation in the EU's €150 billion Security Action for Europe, or SAFE, defense financing program. Full participation remains restricted due to opposition from Greece and Cyprus.
European politicians see the meeting as an opportunity to move toward a more pragmatic relationship focused primarily on security. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has previously described Türkiye as a key partner on security, migration and energy.
At the same time, members of the European Parliament warn that closer cooperation with Ankara must not come at the expense of the EU's fundamental principles. Concerns remain over press freedom, pressure on opposition parties and the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
The working dinner will become another test for relations between Brussels and Ankara. As Europe's security architecture changes, cooperation with Türkiye is becoming increasingly important, but political disagreements continue to pose a serious obstacle to a full reset.
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