ASSESSMENTS

Turkey and Europe's Evolving Relationship

Jul 23, 2012 | 10:16 GMT

Turkey and Europe's Evolving Relationship
The Turkish and EU flags in Istanbul

MUSTAFA OZER/AFP/Getty Images

Summary

Turkish and EU interests in the Balkans and eastern Mediterranean often either collide with or complement each other, depending on the geopolitical environment. But both Turkey and the European Union presently are undergoing significant regional transformations. With Europe fracturing and Turkey on the rise, a recalibration of Turkish-European relations can be expected. For example, the political drama surrounding Turkey's bid to join the European Union will subside as Ankara devotes more of its attention to the Islamic world. Ultimately, deeper economic ties and greater coordination in energy security and foreign policy will define Turkey's evolving relationship with the Continent for years to come.


Europe and Turkey have overlapping spheres of influence, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans. ...

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