It was necessary to conclude quickly an agreement between the EU and Turkey on migrant flows.
In prevailing circumstances the agreement is the best arrangement possible.
However the strategic flaws inherent in it should be recognised.
The most important problem remains that Turkey-EU relations have become poisoned by a mutual bad faith that is long term in scope.
It goes beyond the ongoing differences that relate to Europe’s critical views about authoritarian developments and human rights issues in Turkey’s governance; the Kurdish question; and the problem of a divided Cyprus.
Even if all these issues were resolved, the bad faith would persist.
There is still a lack of clarity and honesty regarding Turkey’s future as a member or non-member of the European Union.
Is the EU able, with one voice, to declare unequivocally that should Turkey satisfy all the requirements for it to become an EU member, membership would inevitably ensue?
The answer is no.
But this is not acknowledged.
So an indispensable basis, one way or another, by which to define EU-Turkey relations longterm is missing.
It is another reason why the EU’s diplomatic leverage with Turkey is so restricted and both sides regard each other with suspicion.
Written Statements
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