Is the EU Purposely Alienating Turkey?
No, the European Union (EU) is not intentionally alienating Turkey. Over the decades, EU institutions have been keen on the prospect of Turkish membership. Turkey represents a significant territory and economy, and the inclusion of a Muslim country enhances the Union's claim to true multiculturalism. However, there are caveats to this.
For a country to even become eligible for EU membership, it must meet a broad range of criteria, which includes political stability, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, among others. For about 15 years, Turkey was making good progress toward these criteria. However, recent events such as the failed coup and the subsequent crackdown have set Turkish EU membership back significantly.
The Political Climate
The Turkish government's actions are in part responsible for this shift. The current Turkish leadership is alienating much of the rest of the world, including the EU, through its policies and actions. It is not a case of the EU deliberately pushing Turkey away.
Some claim that the EU's attitude toward Turkey is influenced by racism and Islamophobia. The question is raised as to what Turkey's EU membership status would be if it were a Christian country. However, the values that the EU stands for include democracy, the rule of law, freedom, and human rights. The Turkish government's actions and policies are diverging from these principles, leading to this unavoidable tension.
The Current State of Relations
Recent developments have significantly impacted Turkey's relationship with Europe. The United States' (US) decision to cancel the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey has strained US-Turkey relations. Additionally, the EU's approach to NATO and its dealings with Russia and Iran have further complicated the situation.
The US has been pressuring NATO countries, including European member states, to exclude Turkey from NATO. However, only the UK has fully aligned with the US on this issue. Meanwhile, Europe has been moving closer to Russia, ignoring US sanctions and providing humanitarian aid to Iran. This has led to heightened tensions with the US, particularly over Iran and other issues related to sanctions.
President Trump has alienated the US in almost every country in the world, with the notable exceptions of the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. The relationship between the US and Turkey has notably worsened, with Trump's cancellation of the F-35 sale being a significant point of contention.
The S-400 Missile System and NATO Security Concerns
One lesser-discussed aspect of the tension is Turkey's purchase of the S-400 missile defense system from Russia. This system provides NATO with access to Russian technology, which has raised concerns within the alliance. Why would Russia be willing to open itself up to potential security vulnerabilities?
The Turkish acquisition of the S-400 system poses a significant security challenge for NATO, as it could potentially allow Russia to access NATO's encrypted communication systems. This issue highlights the complexity of Turkey's relationship with both the EU and the US, as well as its unpredictable stance regarding international alliances.
It is clear that the relationship between Turkey and the EU is complex and multifaceted. While Turkey's recent actions have set back its chances of EU membership, the current state of international relations suggests that both sides are navigating a challenging and evolving landscape.