Greece Monitors Turkey’s EU Membership Aspirations Amid…

Turkish President Erdoğan emphasizes Turkey’s EU membership as essential for the EU’s relevance amid shifting global dynamics influenced by U.S. politics. Despite Erdoğan’s assertiveness, significant barriers such as human rights issues and Turkey’s ties to Russia hinder accession prospects. Greece and Cyprus remain watchful, concerned about Turkey’s rising influence and the implications for their own geopolitical stability, while simultaneously strengthening alliances to counter potential threats.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has recently underscored the importance of Turkey’s accession to the European Union (EU), stating, “At every opportunity, I emphasize that this is our strategic goal.” His remarks displayed an unyielding confidence, asserting that Turkey’s full membership is essential for the EU to maintain its global standing. Erdoğan’s resurgence in advocating for EU membership is intricately linked to the shifting geopolitical landscape influenced by Donald Trump’s political movements, creating a new reality for Europe.

Erdoğan’s call for EU membership comes at a time when the U.S. is retreating from its longstanding role in global security, leaving a vacuum that Turkey is eager to fill. With Turkey situated at a critical geopolitical juncture, Erdoğan seeks a more significant role in international relations and security frameworks. His ambitions extend beyond regional concerns, as he aims to influence various geopolitical issues, including the Ukrainian conflict and international governance.

European governments view Erdoğan’s claim that Turkey could help rescue the EU from geopolitical irrelevance as audacious. Former Turkish diplomat Sinan Ülgen indicated that excluding Turkey is no longer an option for European nations. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has encouraged the EU to maintain closer relations with Turkey, recognizing its substantial defense capabilities, though the EU remains fundamentally a political rather than a military alliance.

Roadblocks to Turkey’s accession still loom, primarily due to human rights violations and challenges to the rule of law within Turkey. Furthermore, Turkey’s ambiguous position on Ukraine and its ties to Russia raise concerns among European countries. As long as Turkey continues its dealings with Moscow, it will be viewed as unreliable in Europe’s security context, especially with Russia being the primary concern for European military interests.

For Greece and Cyprus, Turkey’s relationship with the EU is critical, particularly regarding longstanding disputes. Greek officials are observing Turkey’s rising influence in Europe with apprehension, fearing the potential implications for their own geopolitical stability. A leading Athenian columnist articulated these concerns, warning that Trump’s actions might embolden Erdoğan in territorial disputes.

Greece has taken a cautious stance regarding U.S. developments, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis assuring that he sees no change in American support for Greece. Additionally, Greece is enhancing its strategic ties with Israel to bolster its position in the region. In contrast, Erdoğan’s affiliations with Hamas may undermine his prospects for gaining favor with the U.S. and European leaders, presenting further challenges to Turkey’s EU aspirations.

Dr. Ronald Meinardus, a Senior Research Fellow at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), affirms the intricacies of these geopolitical dynamics.

The evolving relationship between Turkey and the European Union presents significant implications for Greece and Cyprus, as Turkey’s ambitions for EU accession coincide with changing global dynamics. Erdoğan’s assertive approach raises concerns among European nations, particularly regarding human rights and security issues. Greece, in response, is cautious while fostering alliances, particularly with Israel, to navigate these complexities. The overarching influence of the U.S. and uncertainty surrounding its foreign policy further complicate relations in the region, leaving Greece vigilant in safeguarding its interests amid Turkey’s rising prominence.

Original Source: www.ekathimerini.com