The next day in EU-Turkey relations

Press quote (Ekathimerini)
13 May 2023

If Turkey's current president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, wins, the European Union will continue its policy of transactional cooperation with Turkey and crisis management when they break out.

Erdogan's approach to the war being waged in Ukraine will be a key variable and potential source of tension, particularly if Turkey does not lift its veto on Sweden's NATO membership.

If the opposition wins, the European Union will reiterate its will to deepen relations through dialogue, modernise the customs union and visa liberalisation, while offering financial assistance to stabilise the government.

I believe that for all member states it will be easier to accept a strengthening of dialogue with Ankara.

However, how much progress is made on other issues will depend on the opposition's ability to strengthen democratic reforms, as well as its stance in the Eastern Mediterranean and particularly in Cyprus.