The High Representative of the EU highlights problems regarding the rule of law and civil liberties in Turkey, despite its strategic role in NATO.
At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and intense debates over the course of the European Union, the statement by the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas brings the issue of fundamental rights in Turkey back to the forefront as a critical factor assessment of EU-Turkey relations. Despite Ankara’s strategic importance to NATO and its active role in regional crises, Kallas emphasized that concerns regarding the rule of law and civil liberties remain a central obstacle to Turkey’s European perspective, sending a clear political message ahead of new rounds of EU–Turkey diplomatic talks.
This European stance is not an isolated statement, but is part of a broader framework for reassessing relations between Brussels–Ankara, where strategic cooperation in the areas of security and migration coexists with persistent concerns regarding democratic deficits. Within this diplomatic environment, high-level contacts and thematic discussions on regional stability serve as a bridge for communication, without, however, negating the fundamental disagreements that continue to set the tone of the relationship.
The statement
“‘Turkey is a candidate country for EU accession,’ said the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaya Kalas, in an interview in the wake of the NATO Summit in Ankara, which begins today, Monday.
“Of course, there have also been many issues regarding the fundamental freedoms that are key elements of EU accession. But as far as NATO is concerned, Turkey has the second-largest military in the Alliance, and certainly a very strong defense industry,” Kalas noted, according to the Anadolu Agency.
“Turkey is a partner of strategic importance,” she added.
“Of course, before every summit, it’s said that this is a historic summit. But it’s true that right now, transatlantic relations have also been under some intense pressure,” she commented.
Meeting on EU-Turkey Relations
According to the European Commission, today and tomorrow, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, and the Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, will travel to Turkey to promote cooperation in key areas of mutual interest. All three members of the College of Commissioners will meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss EU-Turkey relations and cooperation on shared strategic priorities.
Ahead of the upcoming NATO summit, the talks will focus on common security challenges, including the conflicts in the Middle East and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The meeting will also discuss efforts to improve regional relations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
At the same time, on the occasion of the launch of the Connectivity Agenda platform, “discussions will also cover the promotion and coordination of investments in the sectors of transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure, as well as regulatory cooperation within the framework of the Connectivity Agenda in Turkey and the wider region.”
The Connectivity Agenda is an EU strategy to create better connections between Europe, Turkey, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.
