Turkish-European Relations and the Importance of Visa Liberalisation
Turkish-European Relations and the Importance of Visa Liberalisation

Summary/Abstract: The latest Progress Report of the European Commission rightly addresses the major flaws in Turkey’s reform process. Domestically, Prime Minister Erdoğan in his strive to consolidate his personal power is following a new “Realpolitik” that endangers the ongoing process of creating a new constitution. The EU with an incoherent and ineffective policy towards Turkey has heavily contributed to the stagnation. More specifically, two countries, France and Cyprus, have shown a destructive and hostile attitude towards Turkey’s EU aspirations. The author calls for a clear and coherent policy, mainly of Germany, towards Turkey. Such a policy should encompass the adoption of a straight and honest language, giving Turkey a timetable or deadline for accession, and, most importantly, take clear steps to visa liberalisation, enabling visa-free access for Turkish citizens to the EU. Baydar proposes concrete steps for visa liberalisation. Failure to achieve a solution will further frustrate the affluent Turkish middle class who will turn their backs on the EU.

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