Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to reconnect with the West. “There is a favorable atmosphere to resume our accession process to the European region,” Erdogan told reporters during the return flight from the NATO summit in Vilnius, according to his staff.
The president said Turkey wants “tangible results” quickly in talks with the EU, which should be conducted on a win-win basis. Erdogan also said he saw a new dynamic in relations with the United States.
unrealistic
The European Union has been conducting accession talks with Turkey since 2005. They were suspended again a few years ago because Europe experienced unacceptable developments in the area of the rule of law. Türkiye’s accession to the European Union is currently considered unrealistic.
Since switching to a presidential system in 2018, Erdogan has wielded far-reaching powers. Weakness of parliament and institutions. Türkiye also ignores the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. For example, the court ordered the release of imprisoned activist Osman Kavala and opposition politician Selahattin Demirtas.
commotion
Observers also see economic motives in Erdogan’s move. The Turkish leader needs investment from the West to combat hyperinflation and help rebuild earthquake-hit regions.
Shortly before Monday’s NATO summit, Erdogan caused a stir by linking his approval of Sweden’s NATO membership to the resumption of accession negotiations with the European Union. Erdogan dropped his opposition to Sweden’s candidacy before the summit. The Turkish Parliament has yet to approve the accession protocols and probably won’t deal with the issue until October.
Read also. Erdogan: Sweden can join NATO if the EU resumes talks with Turkey
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