The Myth of the Warm Relations Between the EU and Turkey Is Broken

• 03.19.2017, 20:46
• Greta Avetisyan
•  Europe,  "Insight" Analytical Center ,  World,  Analytics

Newsletter European

The EU-Turkey relations have again entered an active phase of deterioration and this time the reason is not only the lack of democracy in Turkey, but also a number of inter-European difficulties. The deal signed during the migrant crisis, which made the EU close its eyes on lots of issues, has already lost its influence and Erdogan’s provocative steps are now receiving their response.

Which are the main reasons for the growth of intolerance in Europe towards Turkey?

First of all it should be mentioned that in several European countries it is pre-election period and the right-wing forces, which have anti-migration stance, are greatly supported by the society. Thus, a question rises to mitigate those nationalistic moods, meet the public demands. A vivid manifestation of this is the ban for the Turkish authorities to carry out campaign in Germany and the Netherlands. It is interesting that a logical continuation of this wave became the "request" of the Danish Prime Minister to his counterpart to cancel his visit planned for March 20 and wait for proper time. It should be mentioned that Denmark is the country, which has always maintained neutrality on the issues concerning Turkey.

Second, at the presence of quite turbulent situation in Europe, the developments in Turkey become more than vivid. The limitations on the freedom of speech, repressions, activities carried out against Kurds, even imprisonment of the citizens of Europe, constitutional changes for the sake of strengthening the power of Erdogan - developments that sharpened especially after the military coup attempt and which were as if not noticed by Europe, now receive this kind of response, banning the Turkish authorities campaign in their countries.

Third, taking into consideration the maintenance of the tension with Russia, the uncertainty of the relations with the US after the election of Trump, Brexit and the moods coming from it, terrorist attacks, Europe now has a problem to consolidate around an issue. And at this moment, when Turkey with its actions, with insults directed towards Europe at the highest level (several Turkish officials, including the President of the country called the authorities of Germany and the Netherlands "Nazis") make Europe nervous thus becoming the object around which it is possible to consolidate.

Thus it can be said that the myth of the warm relations between the EU and Turkey is gradually being broken and the migrant deal, that the EU signed with Turkey and taking into consideration the importance of which many European countries were yielding to the blackmails of Turkey, today is not able to work for the sake of Turkey.