The final declaration of the extraordinary summit of the European Union (EU) held on March 25-26 in the form of a video conference has been released. The declaration covers a number of important issues related to Turkey.
It should be noted that the final declaration of the three-part consists of a total of 20 articles. The first 8 articles contain the results of a number of issues related to the EU's internal problems. The other 11 articles focus on Turkey-EU relations within the Eastern White Sea issue, and the last 20 on Russia.
In addition, the first part of the declaration covers the strengthening of coordination in the fight against Covid-19 and vaccination activities.
Speaking to Eurasia Diary about the meeting, Professor Irfan Kaya Ulgar said that throughout the summit meeting, the members of the Commission were authorised on a number of issues. These include the introduction of digital certificates, ciculation of people and medical preparations. According to him, other articles focus on maintaining and strengthening the EU's competitiveness. At the same time, the application of digital activities in the field of education and technology is in the forefront.
- In what area can cooperation between Turkey and the EU take place in the near future? Finally, will sanctions against Turkey end?
Another condition of the declaration is that the members of the Commission will discuss public health, climate issues, the fight against terrorism, conflicts in the region, etc. empowerment to resolve such issues through dialogue. It is noted that if Turkey complies with these conditions, it is possible to talk about mutual relations. According to the President of the Council of Europe Charles Michel, the bloc can continue "in a step-by-step, conditional and reversible manner". In other words, apart from the issue of Turkey's full membership in the EU, the solution of other problems in Turkey's favour depends on its adherence to the rules set out in previous summits.
As for sanctions, the declaration states that Turkey does not unilaterally participate in any operations outside international law. Otherwise, EU member states are warned to take countermeasures in the interests of the union, as well as for security purposes. Although no specific sanctions are mentioned here, as a result, threatening statements against Turkey are still reflected. In short, the EU is reluctant to speak directly, but reiterates its determination in the sanctions mission.
- What agreements have been reached on the future of Syrian refugees in Turkey?
- As you know, after the "Arab Spring" migration to Europe began to expand. This has accelerated Europe's response to the rising tide. One of them is the agreement signed with Turkey in October 2015 and the other in November 2016 on the accommodation and provision of refugees. Under the agreement, the European Union provided € 6 billion in financial assistance to refugees. However, the contract had to be reconsidered because it expired in 2020.
According to the European Commission, € 485 million will be allocated for refugees in 2021 under the latest agreement. This was possible as a result of negotiations with Turkey before the summit, as well as Turkey's demand for a new refugee agreement with the European side.
In addition, according to Article 13 of the declaration, Turkey will host 4 million Syrian refugees, as well as refugees from Lebanon and Jordan. Article 14 of the declaration introduces a new visa embargo to prevent refugees from leaving Turkey and illegally immigrating to other parts of Europe.
- When will the discussions on Turkey's full membership in the EU take place?
- Although the status of countries negotiating with the EU to discuss Turkey's full membership since October 3, 2005, the latest declaration at the summit did not provide a full statement. In other words, the opening of a new topic of discussion has been postponed to a meeting in June.
The final report also covers the protection of the rights and freedoms of the EU's political parties and media outlets in Turkey. It was noted that all these issues are an integral part of the Turkish-EU partnership. According to the EU declaration, Turkey is required to support peace in Libya, Syria and the Caucasus. This shows that, although not explicitly stated, in reality the EU is deeply concerned about Turkey's growing influence in the regions mentioned.
Guided by the last article of the final statement of the summit, the issue of sanctions against Russia was also discussed. However, comprehensive talks on this issue will be held in June.
- What is the main reason for the EU's hesitation in some issues in its relations with Turkey?
- Although not directly, the declaration made at the summit in the context of the threat of covert sanctions shows that the results of relations between the EU and Turkey will be reflected in the course of cooperation in the coming months. Currently, the EU's position on maintaining relations with Turkey is characterised by a lack of confidence. Even there is no consensus among the member states on Turkey's full membership in the European Union, and this is the main issue.
By Elnur Enveroglu
