Economic Relations between Southeast Europe and Turkey. A Gordian Knot or Loose Ties?
Economic Relations between Southeast Europe and Turkey. A Gordian Knot or Loose Ties?

Summary/Abstract: Although European Union countries constitute the largest trading partner of and investor in the Southeast European (SEE) countries, economic ties with non-EU players, including Turkey, have been on the rise in the past two decades. Against this background, the article gives an overview of the economic exposure of Turkey to SEE countries in the past two decades, i.e. since the AKP was established in 2001.There are several key conclusions from the analysis: First, the economic importance of Turkey for SEE countries has significantly increased since 2001. Turkish economic involvement has been intimately related to the principles of Turkish foreign policy and has been reinforced by strong personal relations with the political leaders in some SEE countries. Second, not all SEE countries have established equally strong economic ties with Turkey. While Turkey has become a key trading partner and investor for Albania, Kosovo and Bulgaria, its economic influence has remained limited in the rest of the SEE countries. Third, drawing a comparison among the economic ties of the SEE region with other non-EU players (i.e. China and Russia) highlights Turkey’s special position as a competitor, most prominently with Russia for market share.

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