Brussels views Ankara as a vital guarantor of safety within the Black Sea zone and a prospective mediator in the Ukrainian conflict.
Flags of Turkey, EU and Ukraine / © TSN
The European Union is gearing up for a significant revitalization of its bond with Turkey amidst discussions aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. Despite Recep Tayyip Erdogan's adherence to democratic ideals being questioned, Brussels regards Ankara as a central guardian of security in the Black Sea area and a possible broker of peace.
This information comes from Politico.
Following an extended duration during which the EU considered Turkey more as a source of difficulty, Brussels is progressively viewing it as a component of a potential remedy. Against the backdrop of renewed discussions about establishing peace in Ukraine, Turkey's prospective involvement in shaping the post-conflict security framework – acting as both a peacemaker and a primary facilitator in the Black Sea region – elevates its status to that of a strategically crucial ally for the EU.
Simultaneously, European bodies maintain a measured stance in their interactions with Ankara due to the Erdogan administration's diversion from democratic principles and the suppression of dissenting voices.
To stimulate the discourse, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Cos is scheduled to visit Turkey on February 6.
“Turkey will be a very important partner for us”
“A peaceful resolution in Ukraine will reshape the dynamics in Europe, notably in the Black Sea area. Turkey will stand out as an essential partner. Planning for peace and stability in Europe entails cultivating a robust alliance with Turkey ,” she conveyed in a written statement to the news source before her journey.
Concurrently, relations between the EU and Turkey have been in decline for a considerable time, predominantly because of the escalating authoritarian inclinations under Erdogan's leadership and the pressure exerted on opposition figures. Notwithstanding the official designation of a candidate for EU membership, the negotiation trajectory has been essentially at a standstill since 2018.
“In recent EU enlargement assessments, we’ve noted a divergence from EU benchmarks, particularly concerning the principles of law and democratic governance. I am aware of Turkey’s longstanding democratic heritage and robust civic society, which are elements that necessitate reinforcement to rebuild mutual confidence between the EU and Turkey,” Kos remarked.
A symbolic step towards rapprochement between the EU and Turkey
During her time in Ankara, she is slated to participate in the formalization of a €200 million arrangement between the European Investment Bank and Turkey for the advancement of renewable energy resources, symbolizing a move toward closer relations. The EIB halted fresh funding for Turkey in 2019 amidst disagreements over energy prospecting activities near Cyprus.
Furthermore, on Friday, the European Commission is set to release an analysis on “furthering the interregional connectivity agenda” involving Turkey, Central Europe, and the South Caucasus. The document, which has been previewed by the publication, delineates the requisite investments for the enhancement of transportation, commerce, energy, and digital pathways along the Trans-Caspian Corridor, bridging China, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the Black Sea.
However, these actions are largely demonstrative in nature and fall short of fully satisfying Ankara’s desires, which include updating the customs union treaty, which has been in effect since 1995.
Turkey's strategic goal remains EU accession
In parallel, shifts in global geopolitics and trade strategies initiated by US President Donald Trump could potentially foster a closer relationship between Europe and Turkey.
“The global landscape is evolving, and historical events are unfolding rapidly. The dynamics between Turkey and the EU must also adjust. These relationships can be strengthened by focusing on shared benefits. We aspire to realize this approach in a tangible manner. Turkey’s overarching objective remains its integration into the European Union, and this should serve as the central tenet in our interactions,” stated Ms. Yaprak Balkan, the Turkish Ambassador to the EU.
A resumption of substantive negotiations pertaining to Turkey’s EU membership is not presently being deliberated. Nonetheless, according to Kos, “it’s imperative that we reassess our connections with Turkey with a renewed outlook.”
“My visit to Ankara… is geared towards reestablishing trust and identifying avenues to amplify the effectiveness of our economic interchanges for both parties involved,” she mentioned.
It is worth recalling that last November, Turkey declared its readiness to dispatch its forces to join the international peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine to ensure security measures following the cessation of hostilities. Such a measure is contingent upon the establishment of a ceasefire and the precise definition of the mission’s mandate and operational framework.
In January 2026, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan posited that resolving the war in Ukraine necessitates more than just a pact between Kyiv and Moscow; it demands a comprehensive restructuring of Europe’s security blueprint. He emphasized that peace must incorporate monitoring, bolstering Ukraine’s capacity to deter aggression, and establishing protocols for addressing violations. Fidan highlighted Turkey’s eagerness to guarantee security within the Black Sea, while also criticizing the United States for its perceived abdication of leadership.
Source: tsn.ua