Turkey-EU Dirty Deal is More Than Realistic

• 03.17.2016, 19:03
•  Europe,  Region,  World,  Info

Bulent Kilic, AP

Turkey and the EU are to sign an action plan on migrant issues during the upcoming days. They have reached a preliminary agreement in early March at an extraordinary EU-Turkey Summit. It should be reminded that the summit ended without final results. Ankara and Brussels said they needed more time to coordinate joint project and develop the certain details.

However, this extra time is being used not only for the clarification of certain points. Both sides try to get as much benefits as possible.

What does Turkey want?

Ankara wants to double the promised 3 billion euros, speed up the process of visa cancellation and open new chapters in Turkey's EU membership talks. Instead Turkey promises to take back all migrants that illegally reach Greek islands from Turkey with the costs covered by the EU. For every returned refugee the European countries will accept one Syrian refugee from Turkey.

What is the EU ready to give?

The EU leaders say they are ready to accelerate the implementation of the visa liberalization roadmap with all Member States with a view to lifting the visa requirements for Turkish citizens at the latest by the end of June 2016. As for membership negotiations, the EU promises to "prepare as soon as possible to the decision to open negotiations on new chapters." In fact, it is just a statement that is being made in order to satisfy Ankara, nothing more.

The EU clearly understands that Turkey may further ask for additional aid. This is why French Prime Minister Manuel Valls says France will warn Turkey against any attempt at "blackmail", Agence France-Presse reports. "It is essential to work with Turkey, but there must not be the slightest blackmail," Valls said.

The Czech Republic also alleged that Turkey was "blackmailing" the EU with demands for extra cash to curb the flow of refugees. "Impolite people like myself call that blackmail," Czech President Milos Zeman said.

Although the EU understands the real meaning of the Turkish game, it does not want to exclude the possibility of accession negotiations. This is why some EU officials speak about the possibility of opening new chapters in negotiations. But as German chancellor Angela Merkel says Turkey's membership is not included in the EU's agenda.

The EU-Turkey deal was criticized not only inside the EU, but also by the human rights organizations. Taking into consideration past experience one may confidently say that the signing of such a deal is more that realistic.