German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock recently commented that Turkiye’s path to joining the European Union is unlikely to happen any time soon, as the country is being held at arm’s length due to its “human rights issues."
The reason Turkiye has not been able to join the EU, Baerbock said while outside an EU foreign minister’s meeting in Brussels on Thursday, “is because important [criteria] that are essential for these talks … have not been met [by Turkiye].”
She went on to explain that criteria includes human rights issues, noting Turkiye was “not an easy neighbor” of the EU. She admitted, however, that Ankara is a “global strategically important actor” in Europe’s “direct vicinity,” and requires a special approach in foreign affairs.
While Germany is open to a reconciliation with Turkiye and encourages “a strategic and forward-looking approach” between the country and the rest of the EU, Baerbock said they are aware Europe is “not naive,” and that the process will not be easy in these “geopolitically challenging times.”
Russia has braced Turkiye to lower their expectations, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying: “Nobody wants to see Turkiye in Europe. I am referring to Europeans.”
Last week, it was reported Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attempted to sway EU members by offering his support for Sweden’s NATO bid. However, EU officials, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission spokeswoman Dana Spinant, pointed out the two processes were not related. Erdogan agreed to Sweden’s NATO application, after opposing it for more than a year.