EU enlargement chief calls for stronger strategic partnership with Türkiye
Ahead of her visit to Ankara, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos emphasized the need for a revitalized partnership with Türkiye, calling it a win-win proposition. She highlighted economic interdependence, Türkiye's key role in connectivity projects, and announced the return of European Investment Bank financing for renewable energy initiatives.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos has advocated for a significantly strengthened partnership between the European Union and Türkiye, framing it as a mutually beneficial strategic necessity. In an exclusive interview ahead of her Ankara visit on February 5-6, Kos stated it is time to view relations with "fresh eyes," highlighting the deep economic ties and shared interests that connect the two sides.
Economic and Geostrategic Imperatives
Kos pointed to global shifts and "the return of imperial behavior" as reasons for enhancing cooperation with reliable partners. She underscored the high degree of economic interdependence, noting that trade between the EU and Türkiye is nearly double that of EU trade with the Mercosur bloc. The Commissioner also announced a concrete step forward: the European Investment Bank (EIB) is resuming operations in Türkiye after a years-long hiatus, with two renewable energy projects worth €100 million each set to be signed during her visit.
Türkiye as the Heart of EU Connectivity
The Commissioner described Türkiye as the indispensable "heart" of the EU's Connectivity Strategy, which aims to build robust transport, energy, and digital links with Central Asia. "We can't do this without Türkiye," she asserted. While discussing the stalled accession process, Kos affirmed that Türkiye remains a candidate country and identified "immense possibilities" within the combined market of over 530 million people, urging progress on updating the decades-old Customs Union agreement.
Conditions, Trust, and Future Cooperation
Kos acknowledged that deeper integration, including participation in initiatives like "Made in Europe," requires certain conditions to be met and trust to be rebuilt. She linked progress to developments in bilateral relations and specifically mentioned the new Cyprus settlement talks as a significant opportunity. On defense, she recognized Türkiye as a "natural partner for Europe" and a crucial NATO ally, suggesting potential for greater collaboration in European security frameworks.
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