On 25 March 2021, IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu commented on the European Council conclusions under the heading “Eastern Mediterranean” regarding relations with Turkey. IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu indicated that EU’s portrayal of the willingness to revive relations with Turkey was positive. Chairman Zeytinoğlu also emphasized the importance of developing the relations with the EU, which is designing its future around European Green Deal principles, and stated that the prospective of a full membership preserves its importance; thus, it is crucial for Turkey not to give up on the reform process. IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu continued as follows:

“We receive the conclusions of the EU Summit with cautious optimism. Welcoming the de-escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean warmly, the European Council made some recommendations to improve cooperation with Turkey. However, the realisation of these recommendations is made conditional upon the continuation of tranquillity in the Eastern Mediterranean. Stating that cooperation will be progressive, proportionate and reversible, attention is drawn to progress in the following areas: economic cooperation, authorising the Commission to resolve the problems in the Turkey-EU Customs Union and initiating the modernisation process and a high-level dialogue including on topics such as climate and public health, progress in people-to-people contacts and mobility, and continuation of cooperation on refugees.

It is stated that the European Council held in June will revert to the issue and the developments concerning the Eastern Mediterranean will be monitored closely till then. Particularly, the fact that the modernisation of the Customs Union is brought to the agenda is a positive development. Moreover, initiating a high-level dialogue and proposing new topics for discussion such as climate and public health will also be beneficial for addressing and coordinating the issues on the EU agenda together. Concerning people-to-people contacts and mobility, the concept of visa liberalisation is not mentioned. However, in the report prepared by Josep Borrell to be presented to the European Council this was mentioned. The rapid fulfilment of the six remaining benchmarks for visa liberalisation will accelerate the process. Cooperation on refugees should be resumed swiftly. In this respect, the European Council mentions the significance of Turkey’s cooperation continuation in readmission and control of irregular migration within the scope of the 18 March Turkey-EU Statement. However, while emphasizing cooperation on refugees, the failure to mention crucial issues included in the 18 March Statement such as the revitalisation of accession negotiations, realisation of visa liberalisation as well as the resettlement of Syrians from Turkey into the EU under the voluntary humanitarian admission scheme can be interpreted as double standards. The fact that democracy, human rights and rule of law are declared as an integral part of Turkey-EU relations is worth mentioning particularly for the candidacy perspective. Focusing on reforms in the field of economy and politics in Turkey until June will pave the way for a revitalisation of relations with the EU. The European Council requested to advance the work for the Eastern Mediterranean Conference which was also proposed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Moreover, a solution in Cyprus within the framework of the UN is mentioned and it is stated that the EU will participate in the upcoming talks in April as an observer and provide support. Keeping the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean problems in a moderate framework with such diplomatic initiatives will be beneficial for peace and security in the region. Turkey and EU moving together is of utmost importance for post-COVID-19 normalisation, economic recovery, increasing foreign investments and revival of trade. We support close coordination and cooperation and coherent progress with Turkey on issues which are high on the EU agenda namely; the Green Deal and digitalisation.”