The current state of affairs between Turkey and the European Union

The current state of affairs between Turkey and the European Union

In recent months, there has been a renewed push for closer ties between Turkey and the European Union (EU). This renewed interest reflects Ankara's strategic assessment that the changing geopolitical landscape in Europe may open new opportunities to advance its decades-long goal of EU membership.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been at the forefront of this push, calling for the resumption of EU accession talks, which have been effectively stalled since 2018. Erdoğan has emphasized Turkey as a "dynamic and solution-oriented" potential member that could benefit the EU, especially amid internal EU disagreements and geopolitical challenges.

Recent developments show some progress in economic and trade cooperation, despite the broader political stalemate. In July 2025, the Türkiye-EU High-Level Trade Dialogue made significant strides on several trade issues, including agreements on preferential quotas, import controls, and updated rules of origin protocols related to their Free Trade Agreement.

However, official EU bodies remain cautious, pointing to Turkey’s need for serious reforms in areas such as human rights, democracy, and foreign policy. Analysts note that while Turkey is interested in expanding dialogue and economic ties, the EU is reluctant to consider Turkey’s full membership in the near future.

One of the most significant developments in this renewed push for closer ties is the approval of the long-delayed export of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey. This strategic move by Turkey aims to strengthen its air force capabilities with advanced European technology. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Istanbul between Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey.

The European Union has also introduced measures aimed at easing visa procedures for Turkish citizens. Though it falls short of full visa liberalization, the visa facilitation is the first tangible gesture from the EU in years and suggests a growing acknowledgment of Turkey's importance for Europe's security and stability.

Despite these developments, substantial political hurdles remain, making a near-term full EU membership for Turkey unlikely. However, both sides appear interested in keeping communication and trade engagement active.

Meanwhile, Turkey has achieved a significant milestone in its defense procurement efforts. On July 23, the first hypersonic missile, Tayfun Block 4, was unveiled, further demonstrating Turkey's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities.

As the relationship between Turkey and the EU continues to evolve, it is clear that both sides recognize the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and pursuing mutual economic benefits. Whether this renewed push for closer ties will lead to full EU membership remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Turkey is determined to play a more active role in Europe's defense and political structures.

[1] BBC News (2025). Turkey's EU membership bid: Erdogan calls for talks to resume. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57963724

[2] European Commission (2025). Türkiye-EU High-Level Trade Dialogue. [online] Available at: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=2347

[3] Al Jazeera (2025). Turkey's EU membership bid: Erdogan's domestic pressures. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/26/turkeys-eu-membership-bid-erdogans-domestic-pressures

[4] Reuters (2025). Turkey pushes for EU membership amid geopolitical challenges. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/turkey-pushes-eu-membership-amid-geopolitical-challenges-2025-07-26/

1. The European Union (EU) is cautious about Turkey's renewed push for EU membership, citing the need for Turkey to undergo serious reforms in human rights, democracy, and foreign policy.
2. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in urging the resumption of EU accession talks, has emphasized Turkey as a beneficial potential member, particularly amid internal EU disagreements and geopolitical challenges.
3. In a strategic move, Turkey approved the export of Eurofighter Typhoon jets, reinforcing its air force capabilities with advanced European technology, as represented by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Yasar Guler and John Healey.
4. Acknowledging Turkey's importance for Europe's security and stability, the European Union has eased visa procedures for Turkish citizens, marking the first tangible gesture from the EU in years towards recognizing Turkey's role.
5. As the relationship between Turkey and the EU evolves, Türkiye is determined to play a more active role in Europe's defense and political structures, such as unveiling the first hypersonic missile, Tayfun Block 4.
6. Turkey and the EU both recognize the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and pursuing mutual economic benefits, as recent developments show progress in economic and trade cooperation.
7. In July 2025, the Türkiye-EU High-Level Trade Dialogue made significant strides on several trade issues, including agreements on preferential quotas, import controls, and updated rules of origin protocols related to their Free Trade Agreement.

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