French Newspaper Says Turkey Has Become Indispensable for a “Weakened Europe”
The French newspaper Le Monde published an article discussing how Turkey had evolved into an indispensable partner for the European Union (EU), which is currently growing weaker. This shift in Turkey-EU relations is explored particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Turkey’s Role in the Ukraine Summit:
The article begins by referencing the Ukraine Summit held in Paris on February 17, which was organized by French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit aimed to reaffirm support for Ukraine, bringing together leaders from seven European countries, NATO representatives, and international institutions.
Despite this high-profile gathering, many EU countries were dissatisfied for not being invited, with one glaring absence: Turkey, NATO’s second-largest military power.
Turkey’s Absence as a Strategic Miscalculation:
The article highlights how Turkey’s absence was seen as a significant diplomatic misstep. Zineb Riboua, a Middle East expert from the Hudson Institute, called it a “strategic miscalculation.”
To correct this mistake, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was invited to a subsequent summit in London on March 2. Fidan used the opportunity to underscore the importance of Turkey’s involvement in the ongoing negotiations over Europe’s new security architecture.
Turkey’s Shift in European Relations:
Over the years, Turkey has distanced itself from the EU. However, the article notes that Turkey is now regarded as a country with complex and multifaceted diplomatic relations, which is significantly influencing the EU’s stance.
Once viewed by some Atlantic Alliance members as “troublesome” or even “unreliable,” Turkey is now seen as indispensable, especially as Europe’s geopolitical landscape shifts, influenced by Washington’s changing policies.
Turkey’s Regional Influence:
Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership for over 22 years, Turkey has emerged as a rare regional power capable of both cooperating with Russia and exerting influence in Syria.
The article explains how the dynamics in Syria have shifted over time, with Turkey now playing a larger role. Previously, Russia determined the limits of Turkey’s influence in northern Syria; today, Turkey defines the terms, which has encouraged European countries to seek Turkey’s involvement more often.
Turkey’s Strategic Role in Ukraine:
The article emphasizes that Turkey continues to play a significant role in Ukraine’s future, despite its complex relationship with Russia.
While Russia’s President Vladimir Putin maintains strong ties with Erdoğan, Turkey has consistently supported Ukraine. For example, Turkey took strong actions at the start of the Russia-Ukraine war by closing the Bosporus to Russian warships, based on the Montreux Convention, and providing Ukraine with Bayraktar TB2 drones
Turkey’s diplomatic balancing act is evident in how it has continued to arm Ukraine while maintaining negotiations with Russia without enforcing Western sanctions.
Turkey’s Geopolitical Concerns:
Turkey perceives Russia’s aggressive expansion in the Black Sea as a direct threat to its own security, both from a geopolitical and energy perspective.
Despite its delicate balancing act between supporting Ukraine and engaging with Moscow, Turkey’s strategic decisions have made it a crucial player in the European security context.
In summary, Turkey has gone from being a “difficult” partner to an indispensable one in the context of European security. The evolving geopolitical situation, especially with Russia’s actions and the war in Ukraine, has made Turkey a key player in European diplomatic and security discussions. Turkey’s strategic positioning, balancing relationships with both Russia and the West, positions it as a vital partner for Europe, particularly as the EU faces increasing challenges.
