In-person event
Turkey remains a country of major strategic importance for Europe. Its geopolitical position, defence capabilities and potential to expand the EU’s connectivity with the Middle East, Black Sea, Caucasus and Central Asia are of increasing significance for the evolving European security architecture. Owing also to Turkey’s economic interdependence with the EU, the future of EU-Turkey relations is increasingly and significantly relevant for both economies and citizens.
Turkey is central for the EU in managing migration flows while the customs union underpin extensive economic ties between the two sides. Turkey’s role as a transport and energy corridor also gives it growing relevance for Europe’s connectivity with neighbouring regions.
Despite this strategic importance, the full potential of EU-Turkey relations remains difficult to realise under the current political conditions in Turkey. Concerns regarding democratic backsliding and the systematic use of lawfare against political opponents have increasingly shaped the context of EU-Turkey relations.
However, recent political developments within Turkey suggest that alternative trajectories remain possible. Turkey’s democratic opposition continues to mobilise and to articulate a programme aimed at restoring democratic institutions, strengthening the rule of law and re-engaging with the EU by re-energising the accession process. In this context, the political vision advanced by the imprisoned elected Mayor of Istanbul and the presidential candidate of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has attracted growing attention both within Turkey and internationally.
Against this backdrop, our panel of speakers will explore the evolving political dynamics in Turkey and their implications for Europe.
