EU: Turkiye is key partner, candidate for membership

A European Commission report released yesterday confirmed that Turkiye is “a candidate country and a key partner for the European Union,” emphasising that it is in the EU’s strategic interest to cultivate a relationship based on cooperation and mutual benefit with Turkiye.

The report , which was part of the 2024 Enlargement Package, was introduced by European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell during a press conference in Brussels.

In its opening, the European Commission highlighted Turkiye’s role as both a “key partner and candidate country” for EU membership. It stressed that the EU should aim to foster a relationship with Turkiye grounded in collaborative efforts and shared advantages.

“Turkiye is a key strategic partner of the EU on issues such as climate, migration, security, counter-terrorism and the economy,” the report highlighted.

It praised Turkiye’s extraordinary efforts in hosting 3.6 million refugees from Syria and other countries. It also noted that Turkiye saw a substantial increase in investment activity in 2023 and has taken measures to advance digitisation and the green transition within its economy.

However, the report acknowledged differences in EU and Turkish policies regarding Russia and the Palestinian resistance factions. It noted Turkiye’s efforts to facilitate dialogue, reduce tensions, and work toward a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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