Tag: Turkey – EU

European Commissioners Fule and De Gucht visit Istanbul to strengthen new EU agenda with Turkey

European Commissioners Fule and De Gucht visit Istanbul to strengthen new EU agenda with Turkey

The renewed positive agenda between the European Union and Turkey will be the main focus of the joint visit of European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle, and European Commissioner for Trade, Karel De Gucht, to Istanbul on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th November.

Both Commissioners will meet representatives from the Turkish government, the business community and civil society.

“Our meetings will focus on the many things EU and Turkey have in common”, Commissioner Füle said before the trip. “We cooperate in so many fields, we are interlinked in so many ways and that’s why the fundamentals between the EU and Turkey are solid,“ he stated and added “But we need a renewed agenda which would focus on how to inject new life into our relations in general and into the accession process in particular.”

Commissioner De Gucht stated, “We are witnessing ever increasing trade flows between the EU and Turkey – undoubtedly helped because of the EU-Turkey Customs Union. Turkey is now the EU’s 7th largest trading partner and I believe there’s still huge potential left untapped and so I look forward to working with my Turkish partners to examine ways of improving and making more effective this extremely important trade relationship.”

Turkey has opened negotiations with the EU in 2005 but since then only a limited number of accession chapters have been opened. Commissioner Fule will speak on the new positive agenda in more detail in the meetings with Vice-Prime Minister Ali Babacan, Minister for European Affairs Egemen Bagis and Minister of Economy Zafer Caglayan together with Commissioner De Gucht who will focus on mutual efforts to boost trade relations between the EU and Turkey.

The new positive agenda was mentioned in the Progress report 2011 for the first time and since then Štefan Füle stressed at several occasions that it is not to replace, but to complement the accession process.

Both Commissioners will participate and give keynote speeches at the conference on “Turkey-EU: Common Interests Revisited”, organised by the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) and the European Policy Centre (EPC). The objective of the conference is to discuss common interests of Turkey and the EU in a number of areas, ranging from the economy, to foreign policy and democracy – and to unveil ways to advance relations in these fields.

Background

EU – Turkey key dates

September 1959 – Turkey applies for associate membership of the European Economic Community (EEC).

September 1963 – Signature of the association agreement (known as the Ankara Agreement), aiming at bringing Turkey into a Customs Union with the EEC and to eventual membership.

April 1987 – Turkey applies for full membership to the EEC.

1995 – Turkey – EU Association Council finalises the agreement creating a customs union between Turkey and the EU.

December 1999 – Turkey obtains status of an EU candidate country.

December 2004 – The European Council defines the conditions for the opening of accession negotiations with Turkey.

October 2005 – Opening of accession negotiations with Turkey.

December 2006 – The Council decides that 8 negotiating chapters can not be opened and no chapter can be closed until Turkey meets its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the additional protocol to the Association Agreement

Facts and figures EU-Turkey trade

The EU is Turkey’s most important trading partner, for imports as well as for exports. Turkey is the EU’s 7th biggest import market and its 5th biggest export market. In 2010, the EU imported goods and services worth €42bn from Turkey, mainly machinery and transport equipment, but also manufactured articles, e.g. textiles. EU exports of goods and services to Turkey amounted to €61bn in 2010, most importantly machinery and transport material, chemical products as well as manufactured goods. Between 2008 and 2010, Foreign Direct investment (FDI) inflows from Turkey to the EU amounted to €2.1bn, whereas EU FDI flows into Turkey were €14.7bn in 2008 – 2010.

Fore more info:

EU – Turkey relations

EU -Turkey trade relations

via European Commissioners Fule and De Gucht visit Istanbul to strengthen new EU agenda with Turkey – World News Report.

November 17, 2011
FM: Turkey’s commitments to EU not negotiable

Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis

FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE

• Tue, Oct 18, 2011

Turkey does not understand what it means to be a candidate country for EU membership, Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis has said, clarifying at the same time, that Ankaras commitments to EU member states, including the Republic of Cyprus, are not negotiable.

In statements following a meeting with the new Ambassador of Egypt to Cyprus Menha Mahrous Bakhoum, here Monday, Marcoullis said it was a substantive meeting in view of her visit to Egypt in early November.

The Minister said that it would be a very important visit and expressed Cyprus readiness to help in Egypts transformation process.

”We want to be in contact with this country as much as possible in order to see how to help, not only maintain our traditionally excellent relations, but find ways to help in the development and reshaping of the institutions and democracy in this very important neighboring country,” she added.

Asked about the agreements signed between Cyprus and Egypt, Marcoullis said that ”Egypt honors and will respect all agreements it has signed with Cyprus.”

The Minister referred to public statements made by the Foreign Minister of Egypt immediately after his meeting with Foreign Minister of Greece, adding that this position will be confirmed during his own visit to Egypt.

She noted that Cyprus and Egypt signed an agreement in 2003 on the delimitation of their Exclusive Economic Zones and a ”very important agreement,” on joint exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits, which is pending ratification in both countries.

”What I asked of Ambassador of Egypt is for both countries, particularly Egypt, to move towards the ratification of this very important agreement, so that we can run as soon as possible several joint projects to jointly exploit hydrocarbons deposits she added.

Asked about Cyprus – Lebanon agreement on the delimitation of the EEZ which has not yet been ratified by the parliament of Lebanon, Marcoullis said that a delegation of technocrats from Lebanon is expected to arrive in Cyprus either this week or next to discuss issues concerning the exclusive economic zone.

She said that the purpose of the visit is to discuss on a technocratic level some concerns raised by Lebanon not on the agreement, clarifying that there was never any problem with this agreement but problems emerged on the Lebanon – Israel exclusive economic zone.

She said she would visit Lebanon following the Lebanese delegation visit to Cyprus perhaps in November.

Asked if she discussed the Turkish threats with the new Ambassador of Egypt, Marcoullis said that Egypt’s position is clear, adding that Egypt ”recognizes the sovereign rights of the Republic as all other countries in the international community.”

”There is not one country in the world which does not recognize this exclusive right of the Republic of Cyprus, because as you know, most countries are signatories to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea”, she pointed out.

She recalled that Turkey unfortunately not only has it not signed this Convention, but it is also an enemy of the Convention having its own interpretations regarding the Law of the Sea,” noting that ”these are the interpretations Turkey is trying to implement by conducting seismic exploration and other activities in Cypruss EEZ ”.

Replying to questions, she said Cyprus has made representations about Turkeys explorations within Cyprus EEZ by Turkish seismographic vessel Piri Reis and the Norwegian research vessel ‘Bergen Surveyor, adding that Cyprus has made representations both to the Norwegian and the French governments since a French company is also involved in cooperating with the Norwegian company.

She said that these representations are primarily addressed to the UN and the Security Council, which we constantly keep updated with all developments,” he said.

Asked to comment on Turkish newspaper Sabah reports according to which Turkey has proposed to Cyprus opening the port of Mersin to Cyprus-flagged ships in exchange of opening a chapter in its accession process which remains closed due to the Cyprus problem, Marcoullis said that this is a very old proposal.

Things are clear. In 2004 the EU demanded that Turkey signs and implements the Ankara Protocol, which requires the opening of all Turkish ports and airports to Cyprus. There is no question of negotiating, she said.

Of course, she continued, ”Turkey is known for haggling, but it must understand that the EU is not an issue for negotiation. It is a matter of specific rules and procedures which each candidate country must follow. ”

Asked to comment on statements by Turkish Minister Responsible for Europe who described the Greek Cypriot side as the Trojan Horse of Israel on the issue of natural gas, the Minister said that such statements prove that Turkey has not realized what it means to be a candidate country for EU membership.

She said that ”the candidate country must adapt to the EU and not the other way around. It seems, ”she added,” they have not understood this very basic element which governs the relations of all candidates with no exception, irrespective of the difficulties they face.

The road to EU membership is not an easy one, it is difficult and requires difficult and serious decisions,” she said.

Turkey, she said, has to decide if it wants to proceed at all costs, adding that it will also have to pay a political cost since it should certainly recognize the Republic of Cyprus, meet its commitments to the EU and implement the Ankara Protocol.

In conclusion she said that this road is not determined by Turkey but by the EU and if Turkey wants to move on then it should follow this precise path.

Turkish troops occupy Cyprus northern part since they invaded in 1974. Ankara does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus.

Drilling in Cyprus EEZ has begun and is being carried out by Houston-based Noble Energy, off Cyprus south-eastern coast.

Following Nicosia’s decision to begin drilling in its EEZ, Ankara has deployed warships in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The government of Cyprus has protested to the UN and the EU Turkeys moves, saying it has a sovereign right to exploit its natural resources, pointing out that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will benefit from any benefits that may come from oil drilling.

Cyprus has signed an agreement to delineate the Exclusive Economic Zone with Egypt and Israel with a view to exploit any possible natural gas and oil reserves in its EEZ. A similar agreement has been signed with Lebanon but the Lebanese Parliament has not yet ratified it.
Copyright © Famagusta Gazette 2011

October 19, 2011
Cyprus Signals Block On Turkey EU Energy Chapter

Cyprus supports the opening of Turkey’s EU Energy chapter but only if it signs the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and normalises relations with the island, says Commerce Minister Praxoulla Antoniadou.

Since the chances of this happening anytime soon are slim, it’s safe to say that the government is signalling that it will block this chapter in Turkey’s EU-membership negotiations.

“At this point of time, Cyprus is unfortunately confronted with the gunboat diplomacy of Turkey in the area, contesting the sovereign rights of the Republic…” said Antoniadou at an informal meeting of EU Energy ministers.

Until Turkey normalises its relations with Cyprus, the government resists the opening of its energy chapter. Antoniadou counters the argument that Turkey could enhance the EU’s energy supply security with the position that there is no direct link between this and the accession negotiations of a candidate country.

“The role that a candidate country could potentially play in the EU’s security of energy supply cannot influence the course of her accession negotiations by offsetting the need that the candidate country fulfils her obligations,” she says.

Alternatively, if Turkey contributes to the peace process by supporting the Turkish-Cypriot leadership to reunify Cyprus on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, then a bright horizon of peace, cooperation and economic growth will open for the Eastern Mediterranean area, says Antoniadou.

In its latest assessment of Turkey’s accession negotiations, the EU said that they have “regrettably not moved into any new areas for over a year.”

“The Commission is concerned about the recent tensions in relations between Turkey and Cyprus. A new positive agenda in EU-Turkey relations needs to be developed, to enable a more constructive relationship based on concrete steps in areas of common interest,” says the latest conclusions on the issue from the EU.

Turkey and Cyprus are locked in a tense military and political confrontation over undersea gas-and-oil exploration rights in the waters around the island. Since Noble Energy started drilling in Block 12 in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on September 19th, Turkey has sent its own seismic research ships accompanied by warships. It plans to explore for hydrocarbons in partnership with the Turkish-Cypriot political leadership.

Parallel to this confrontation, Turkey is also jockeying for position with Egypt and has proposed building a gas pipeline between the two countries.

Egypt has already signed a bilateral agreement to delimit the maritime borders with Cyprus and cooperate on developing hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation. Egypt recently re-confirmed its commitment to its agreement with Cyprus, saying it would ‘undoubtedly’ implement the deal, according to Egyptian foreign minister Mohamed Kamel Amr in comments reported by Athens news agency.

In earlier statements, Ankara said that Cyprus’ maritime border agreements with its neighbors Lebanon, Egypt and Israel are null and void.

Infringement on sovereign rights

Turkey’s seismic research activities in Cyprus waters fly in the face of the government’s sovereign right over the island’s EEZ as it does not have official permission to conduct research for oil and gas reserves. Ankara disputes this right on the basis that the government does not represent the Turkish Cypriots. Turkey has signed an agreement with the ‘TRNC’ to delimit maritime borders and explore for hydrocarbons. The ‘TRNC’ is only recognised by Turkey, and the government promptly responded by saying the agreement was illegal.

As the only internationally-recognised government on the island, the leadership has gone ahead with a contract with Noble Energy to explore for hydrocarbons in Block 12, an area which borders Israel’s gas field Leviathan.

The government’s right is upheld by the EU, Greece, Israel and Russia, all of which have made statements condemning Turkey’s threats towards the island and supporting its right to exploit resources in its sovereign territory.

Defence ministry sources said that if Turkey proceeds with actual exploration for undersea hydrocarbons, the government’s approach will be different. For the time being, authorities take the view that ships sent by Turkey are in international waters and will be treated like any other ship.

Source: cyprusnewsreport.com

via Cyprus Signals Block On Turkey EU Energy Chapter | Defence news from Greece and Cyprus.

October 16, 2011
European Commission recommends moving onto next stages towards EU entry

Brussels – Today the European Commission recommends the opening of accession negotiations with Montenegro, and granting EU candidate status to Serbia. In a set of annual reports, the Commission reports on the progress towards EU accession made by the Western Balkans, Turkey, and Iceland over the past year.

Presenting the annual Enlargement Package, Commissioner Stefan Füle said: “Today’s recommendations for Montenegro and Serbia show that the enlargement process is stimulating reforms on the ground and helping to create a more stable and prosperous Europe. The transformational power of the enlargement process sends a powerful message of hope at this challenging time, both for European Union Member States and for the enlargement countries.”

In a year that has seen the closure of accession negotiations with Croatia, there has been further progress elsewhere in the Western Balkans. The arrest of the two remaining ICTY indictees removed a major stumbling block from Serbia’s European path and marked an important step towards reconciliation in the region. A dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina was established and has yielded initial results. This needs to be pursued constructively. Montenegro has strengthened its reform efforts based on the priorities set out by the European Union. The European Commission also confirmed its earlier recommendation to open accession negotiations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Visa-free travel to the Schengen area was granted to the citizens of two more Western Balkan countries in December 2010, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Nevertheless, good governance, the rule of law, administrative capacity, unemployment and economic reform remain major challenges in the region. There are still problems concerning regional cooperation. In a number of countries, important reforms were delayed, often as a result of internal political developments and conflicts. There have been a number of worrying developments in freedom of expression in the media. Differences over status of Kosovo1 continue to have a negative effect on both Kosovo and the wider Western Balkans region.

Iceland’s accession process has made headway over the past year, with negotiations ongoing. The Commission expects that the accession negotiations will continue to progress well and is confident that core issues such as fisheries and environmental protection can be addressed constructively.

The accession negotiations with Turkey have regrettably not moved into any new areas for over a year. Turkey’s EU-accession process remains the most effective framework for promoting reforms, developing dialogue on foreign and security policy issues and strengthening economic competitiveness. At the same time, the Commission is concerned about the recent tensions in relations between Turkey and Cyprus. A new positive agenda in EU-Turkey relations needs to be developed, to enable a more constructive relationship based on concrete steps in areas of common interest.

Background
COUNTRY BOX

CROATIA: candidate – applied in 2003. Accession negotiations were completed in June 2011. In line with Article 49 TEU, the Commission today presents its favourable Opinion on Croatia’s readiness accession to the European Union. Following the completion of the ratification process, Croatia should become a member state on 1 July 2013.

TURKEY: candidate – applied in 1987. Accession negotiations were opened in October 2005. 13 chapters are opened and 1 provisionally closed. Full implementation of the obligations under the Customs Union and progress towards normalisation of relations with Cyprus are needed before the country can advance more vigorously in its accession negotiations.

ICELAND: candidate – applied for membership in 2009 and opened accession negotiations in June 2010, with 4 chapters opened of which 2 have been provisionally closed. As Iceland is already a member of the EEA and the Schengen area, a large part of its legislation is already aligned with that of the EU.

THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA: candidate – applied in 2004. The country continues to sufficiently fulfil the political criteria and the Commission renewed its 2009 recommendation for opening accession negotiations. As a unanimous decision of Member States is required for the negotiations to start, a solution to the name issue is essential.

MONTENEGRO: candidate – applied in 2008. In 2010, the EU awarded candidate status and set out seven key priorities which the country needs to fulfil in order to achieve the opening of accession negotiations. Today the Commission recommended opening of accession negotiations.

ALBANIA: potential candidate – applied in 2009. In 2010 the EU set out twelve key priorities which the country needs to fulfil to achieve the opening of accession negotiations. Although progress was made in some of these areas the Commission was not in a position to recommend further steps for Albania this year.

Building on recent positive signals, the Commission encourages the political forces in Albania to re-establish and sustain a level of political dialogue allowing the functioning of key democratic institutions and the implementation of essential reforms.

SERBIA: potential candidate – applied in 2009. The Commission today presented its opinion on Serbia’s membership application. Based on its findings, it recommends that the Council grants Candidate Status for Serbia. Condition also set one key priority which the country needs to fulfil in order to achieve the opening of accession negotiations.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: potential candidate – has not applied for EU membership; following the 2010 parliamentary elections, the country has not yet formed a state-level government and the lack of a shared vision by political leaders on the direction of the country continued to block key EU-related reforms.

KOSOVO: potential candidate – Differences over the status of Kosovo remain an obstacle to the development of contractual relations between the EU and Kosovo. The EU supports Kosovo’s efforts to fulfil its European perspective.

For more information:
For detailed findings and recommendations on each country see Memos:
Albania MEMO/11/686

Bosnia and Herzegovina MEMO/11/687

Croatia MEMO/11/688

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia MEMO/11/689

Iceland MEMO/11/690

Kosovo* MEMO/11/691

Montenegro MEMO/11/692

Serbia MEMO/11/693

Turkey MEMO/11/694

More on enlargement package:

Contacts :
Peter Stano (+32 2 295 74 84)
Anca Paduraru (+32 2 296 64 30)
1 :

Under UNSCR 1244/1999

October 16, 2011
European Union Critical of Human Rights in Turkey

Dorian Jones | Istanbul

Photo: AP Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (file photo)

The European Union’s annual progress report on Turkey’s bid to join its ranks, criticized Ankara over freedom of expression and treatment of its minorities. But Ankara has rejected the criticism and is voicing increasing frustration over what its sees as more prejudice on the part of Brussels. Rising tensions could come to a head over the island of Cyprus.

The Turkish government has dismissed out of hand criticisms made by the European Union’s annual progress report. The report criticized Turkey over its treatment of its minorities and media freedom. It highlighted the imprisonment of journalists.

According to human rights groups more than 50 journalists are currently jailed. However, Ergemen Bagis, Turkish minister for EU membership, says Brussels is out of touch.

“If you consider the report to be a photo of Turkey, what I can say is the model of the camera that took the picture of Turkey is an old model,” said Bagis. “I think its time for Europe to change the lens, and to focus better.”

The tough reaction is the latest sign of an increasing belligerence by Ankara towards Brussels, according to Semih Idiz, diplomatic correspondent for the Turkish daily newspaper Milliyet.

“Ever since France and Germany coming out against Turkish membership, I think we are at the logical conclusion of how things started three years ago,” said Idiz. “Nobody in Turkey is putting much investment into the idea that Turkey is going to be an EU member anytime soon. And at the moment Europe itself does not provide very inspiring image.”

The opposition of France and Germany have resulted in Turkey’s membership bid coming to a virtual standstill. The EU commissioner responsible for Enlargement, Stefan Fule, acknowledged Turkish frustrations but also raised concerns over a simmering crisis with Turkey.

“Turkey continues to be a key country for the European Union but accession negotiations have not moved on for more than one year,” said Fule. “There is a frustration on both sides. And I believe its the time to rebuild the momentum in the process and work for a renewed positive agenda in EU – Turkey relations. At the same time the commission remains worried about the tension between Turkey and Cyprus.”

The report criticized Ankara for its increasingly hardline towards EU member Cyprus. Last month Turkish warships were sent to the island in an ongoing dispute over Nicosia’s exploration for gas in its territorial waters. Ankara claims such exploration should be done in cooperation with the Turkish Cypriot administration which only Turkey recognizes. At a press conference Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu made clear Turkish displeasure over the criticism.

He said we see that there is a one sided perspective in EU when it comes to Turkey’s international work, primarily on the Cyprus issue and he said we feel seriously disturbed by this. He also said Turkey wants the EU and to give a strong message to the Greek Cypriot side and said it was of the utmost importance to Turkey.

But the EU report was not all bad news , it praised the government for judicial reforms and removing the army from politics. Ankara also drew plaudits as playing a positive role in “Arab Spring” countries. The German foreign minister Gudio Westerwelle, during a visit to Istanbul Thursday, stressed the important future role Turkey can play with the EU in the region.

He said there is no doubt that Turkey has a role as a bridge-builder and he said we want to take advantage of that together. And he said that’s why we [Germany] are glad that relations between our countries are so good. He said that Turkey can have a positive influence on the uprisings in the Arab world, where it can and wants to play such a key role.

Ankara increasingly sees itself as a regional power with global aspirations. But such largesse could prove a double edge sword to Europe. Former Turkish diplomat Sinan Ulgen warns that with Ankara’s aspirations for far more than EU membership, it is ready for a show down with Brussels over Cyprus.

“This transformation from almost a compliant member of the western community, making Turkey a full EU member, to a assertive ambitious regional power is what we are seeing today,” said Ulgen.

Observers warn Brussels could feel the full force of Turkey’s new assertiveness, with the simmering crisis over Cyprus expected to come to a head in the coming months.

via European Union Critical of Human Rights in Turkey | Europe | English.

October 15, 2011
Turkey looks east as EU accession prospect recedes

By Ibon Villelabeitia and Jonathon Burch

ANKARA | Wed Oct 12, 2011 5:19pm EDT

(Reuters) – Cold-shouldered by the European Union it wants to join, NATO member Turkey is turning east politically and economically for the respect it feels it lacks in the West.

A rising Muslim democracy, Turkey began accession talks with Brussels in 2005, but progress has been painfully slow, hobbled by tensions between Ankara and EU-member Cyprus as well as opposition within France and Germany.

On Wednesday, the European Commission said no progress was achieved in the last year, raising new doubts over whether Turkey will ever become a full EU member.

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has warned that a vigorous Turkey would not wait at the EU’s doors “like a docile supplicant” and slammed European societies as “near geriatric.”

His bitter mood is shared by many ordinary Turks who say they feel increasingly unwelcome in Europe.

Ecevit Iyit, 38, said he had applied four times for a visa to join his wife in Germany, where she works at a sausage factory in Stuttgart and lives with their three young children.

“I waited 11 months after one application before they rejected it,” said Iyit as he waited at the gates of the German embassy in Turkey’s capital Ankara. “They don’t want us. Otherwise they would have taken us ages ago.”

Turkey’s foreign policy has been West-oriented for years, revolving around its EU application and NATO commitments.

But as its EU prospects recede, it has become increasingly independent-minded and keen to increase ties with the Middle East and North Africa — a trend that has broad implications for the EU and the United States.

“There hasn’t been a pan-European conversation about how on earth to deal with a Turkey that’s not just assertive but is now threatening what to some Europeans are core interests and may pursue actions that could lead to conflict,” said Daniel Korski, of the London-based European Council on Foreign Relations.

“There was a compromise before where those who want Turkey to be part of the EU and those who don’t could agree we need a strategic dialogue with Turkey because it was becoming increasingly assertive and important. But some Europeans are now beginning to worry about the point of strategic dialogue with a country that’s moving beyond the pale of normal behavior.”

The shift is turning Turkey into a model in the Arab world at a time when the region is undergoing sweeping change while U.S. and European influence appears to be waning.

During a September tour of Arab countries, Erdogan was feted by adoring masses, portrayed himself as a Muslim leader, fustigated Israel and championed a Palestinian statehood.

Turkey is now a stable democracy and one of the world’s most vibrant economies, which has given Turks a new sense of confidence, in contrast to the existential malaise plaguing Europe due to the financial crisis.

A survey on transatlantic trends by the German Marshall Fund think-tank published in September showed that a majority of Turks considered the Middle East more important to the country’s economic interests and security than the EU.

“We shouldn’t join the EU. They should just reject our application now,” Hasan Filanci, a 25-year-old baker. “Europe is the sick man, write that down.”

BRIDGE AND ANCHOR

Despite waning domestic support for EU membership, about half of Turkey’s trade is with the bloc and more than 75 percent of foreign direct investment comes from the EU.

After the release of the Commission’s report, Ankara said on Wednesday “full membership to the union is Turkey’s only goal.”

Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet once compared Turkey to a galloping horse with its head on the continent of Europe and its body on the Asian continent. But heads can turn.

In recent months, Turkey has raised concerns it is changing its soft power for a more confrontational policy, upsetting even it staunchest supporters.

It has sent warships to the eastern Mediterranean to challenge EU member Cyprus’ and Israel’s offshore gas drilling projects, and has warned it would freeze ties with the EU if Cyprus assumes the bloc’s rotating presidency next July.

The Commission on Wednesday said it was concerned about tensions between Ankara and Cyprus and urged Turkey to refrain from any threats or actions that could undermine relations.

As EU talks drag on, Turkey has failed this year to open even one new chapter, or policy area, of the 35 that a candidate country must complete before it can join the bloc.

Since membership talks started, Turkey has opened 13 chapters. Most of the rest are “frozen” by political disputes between Ankara and EU capitals.

For years, the argument in favor went that EU-driven political and economic reforms offered a policy anchor for a NATO country that borders Iran, Iraq and Syria and with a history of political instability and financial crises.

The EU prospect reassured investors and brought prestige to Turkey, which has access to European markets and has expanded business ties in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

For its part, EU reforms allowed civilian governments in Ankara to break the grip of the conservative army and judiciary.

Amanda Paul of the Brussels-based European Policy Center said Turkey should resist actions that could harm longer term interests, which lie in a strong anchoring to Europe.

“Turkey will never walk away. It has absolutely no reason to walk away. Even though there are no negotiations going on, Turkey still hopes for economic stability and bringing in foreign investment and that added extra sparkle,” Paul said.

“Turkey is a crucial as an energy corridor and for other energy projects, and the EU does need to main strong links with Turkey.”

(Additional reporting by Justyna Pawlak; Editing by Maria Golovnina)

October 13, 2011