Ankara rejects the 'illegitimate' EU-Cyprus review and seeks progress in relations

In a major diplomatic response, the Turkish Foreign Ministry publicly rejected the European Commission’s 2024 expansion strategy and country report on Türkiye, claiming that the report’s assessments are unfair and do not reflect the reality on the ground.

The report, published on Wednesday, has sparked a new wave of controversy, especially around the assessment of Türkiye’s political criteria and internal dynamics.

In the official statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed its disappointment at what it called the “unrealistic and unlawful” positions expressed in the EU report, especially regarding the complex issues surrounding the Cyprus issue.

The ministry criticized the report for relying heavily on the positions of Greece and the Greek Cypriot government, which Türkiye said overlooks their legitimate concerns and rights, as well as those of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Turkish officials emphasized the report’s recognition of Türkiye’s constructive role in the Eastern Mediterranean and positive relations with Greece. However, they argue that these results are undermined by the report’s failure to take into account Türkiye’s legitimate security concerns, particularly in the context of the Cyprus dispute, which they argue should be resolved solely through negotiations involving the parties directly involved at the island are involved.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the EU’s statements on Cyprus are not conducive to attempts at a solution. They underlined that the issue must be addressed within the framework of a negotiating process involving the two communities on the island, the three guarantor powers and the United Nations.

The island of Cyprus has been a point of contention for decades, with the ongoing dispute between the Greek Cypriot community and the Turkish Cypriot community impacting not only the island itself, but also Türkiye’s relations with the EU.

The roots of the conflict lie in the 1960s, after the island’s independence from British rule. Tensions between the two communities escalated, culminating in a 1974 coup by Greek Cypriot nationalists and a subsequent Turkish military intervention. This resulted in the de facto division of the island, with the Republic of Cyprus (internationally recognized but controlling only the south) and the TRNC (recognized only by Türkiye).

The EU’s involvement further complicated the situation. When the Republic of Cyprus applied for EU membership in 1990, Türkiye objected, citing the unresolved dispute. Despite this, the EU accepted Cyprus in 2004, but with a caveat: the north would be excluded from the benefits of membership until a reunification deal was reached.

Numerous attempts have been made to find a solution to the Cyprus dispute, including UN-backed negotiations and talks between two communities. However, no lasting solution has been achieved.

Revaluation of tires

On the other hand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting Türkiye’s geopolitical significance amid ongoing global challenges, called for a reevaluation of the Relations between Turkey and the EU. They expressed hope that the EU would take a more constructive approach, recognizing Türkiye’s potential as a partner rather than viewing it through the prism of historical grievances.

The ministry emphasized that Türkiye’s political will to strengthen bilateral ties is steadfast and called for tangible EU actions that reflect this commitment.

In his remarks at the unveiling of the report, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, categorized Turkey as a “key” player in regional dynamics, indicating a growing recognition within the EU of the strategic importance of Turkey.

The report commended Türkiye for his management of migration challenges, particularly in hosting some 3.6 million refugees from Syria, and his robust counter-terrorism efforts.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry’s evaluation of the report also highlighted the crucial need for a new perspective on Turkey-EU relations, one that goes beyond the limitations of the past.

It argued that real progress in relations depends on the EU’s willingness to take a more strategic approach, especially regarding the implementation of previously agreed recommendations without additional conditions.

Türkiye’s relationship with the European project began in 1959 with the signing of the Ankara Agreement. This agreement aimed at gradual economic integration between Turkiye and the European Economic Community (EEC), the predecessor of the EU. This marked the beginning of a long-term vision of convergence and possible future membership for the country.

In 1999, Türkiye’s aspirations took a concrete step forward when the country was given official candidate status for full EU membership. This decision was received with both enthusiasm and caution within the EU, reflecting the mixed nature involved in the integration of a large and culturally diverse country like Türkiye.

Formal accession negotiations began in 2005 during the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which still rules the country. These negotiations include a comprehensive assessment of Türkiye’s alignment with the EU’s acquis communautaire, a vast body of laws, regulations and policies that form the bloc’s foundation. The process involved opening and then provisionally closing individual chapters, each representing a specific policy area, after the established criteria had been met.

However, the path to membership proved to be a challenge. Progress in negotiations was slow. In 2016, only 16 of the 35 chapters were open and only one was provisionally closed.

In 2018, accession negotiations came to a standstill. The EU expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on key issues, while Türkiye criticized what she perceived as double standards and a lack of commitment from the EU. This resulted in a de facto suspension of the accession process, leaving the future of Türkiye’s EU membership in a state of uncertainty.

Despite the stalled negotiations, the relationship between the bloc and Türkiye remains multifaceted. Both sides continue to cooperate on various issues of mutual interest. This ongoing involvement, although not directly linked to the joining process, demonstrates the intertwined nature of their relationship.