Statement on Turkey from EU High Representative Borrell
Stating that Turkey's geopolitical importance has increased even further under current conditions, European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said, "Turkey is a very important country. It is very important because the geopolitical context is experiencing its most challenging and difficult period in a long time."
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Borrell made the remarks at a press conference announcing the 2024 Enlargement Package, which includes the latest assessments regarding candidate countries Turkey, Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Ukraine, and Moldova, held jointly with EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi.
"WE HAVE RE-ENGAGED"
Stating that he has "worked very hard to reverse the negative spiral" in Turkey-EU relations, Borrell said, "Initially, we were in a much more difficult situation than we are today. We have re-engaged in areas of mutual interest."
"TURKEY IS VERY IMPORTANT"
Emphasizing Turkey's importance to the Union, Borrell stated, "Turkey is a candidate country whose geopolitical importance has increased much more under current conditions. Turkey is very important. It is very important because the geopolitical context is experiencing its most challenging and difficult period in a long time."
Responding to a question about Turkey, Borrell noted that despite progress in some areas, efforts in trade, anti-money laundering, research and innovation, and economic and monetary policies were appreciated.
CONCRETE STEPS TAKEN
"For this reason, we will continue our contacts with leaders in Turkey," said Borrell, explaining that since April 2024, when the EU expressed its desire to develop a strategic, political, and economic relationship with Turkey based on cooperation and mutual benefit, concrete steps have been taken to revitalize relations and engage in constructive exchanges on areas of common interest.
Borrell stated, "Even though the alignment rate with our foreign policy is low, there are sufficient reasons for us to maintain our relationship with Turkey." The "Turkey Report," included in the 2024 Enlargement Package, stated that developing a relationship based on cooperation and mutual benefit is in the EU's strategic interest, and emphasized that Turkey is an active and important actor in the field of foreign policy and possesses strategic autonomy.