Amid the intensification of peace talks in Ukraine, the European Union is considering Turkey as a potential peacemaker and regional mediator in the Black Sea region. Brussels is currently taking the first steps towards restoring relations with Ankara. This is reported by Politico.
Brussels recognizes Turkey's strategic role, but is cautious about rapprochement, citing the country's retreat from democratic standards and repression of political opponents of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In an effort to ease relations, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Cos will visit Turkey on Friday. Ahead of the visit, she told the publication that a possible end to the war in Ukraine would change the security realities of Europe, especially in the Black Sea region.
"Peace in Ukraine will change the security situation in Europe, particularly in the Black Sea. Turkey will be an extremely important partner for us," — Kos noted.
She also emphasized that preparing for peace and stability in Europe involves forming a strong partnership with Ankara.
Why Turkey is important
Turkey has the second-largest armed forces in NATO and occupies a key strategic position between Europe, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Control of the Bosphorus gives Ankara significant influence over security in the Black Sea region.
Additionally, Turkey played an important role in brokering the Black Sea Grain Agreement in July 2022, which ensured safe seaborne exports of Ukrainian grain.
Ankara also declared its readiness to send a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine if an agreement is reached with Russia and to take on a leading role in ensuring security in the Black Sea.
The EU seeks to restore ties
At the same time, relations between the EU and Turkey have deteriorated significantly in recent years due to increasing authoritarian tendencies and repression of the opposition. Although Turkey officially remains a candidate for EU membership, membership negotiations were frozen in 2018.
However, changes in geopolitical and trade relations may contribute to a new rapprochement between Europe and Turkey.
"The world is changing and history is accelerating. Relations between Turkey and the EU also need to adapt. They can be strengthened by building on mutual interests," — the publication quotes Turkish Ambassador to the EU Yaprak Balkan.
The EU is not yet planning to restart Turkey's membership negotiations, however, according to Kos, "we need to take a fresh look at our relations."
"My visit to Ankara is aimed at restoring trust and exploring opportunities to improve economic relations for both sides," — she added.
