By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell lauded the election process in Turkiye, commenting Monday, on X: “The holding of the municipal elections in a calm & professional manner, honors Turkiey & shows the citizens’ commitment to local democracy.” Borrell who is the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy added: “Fundamental rights & democracy are at the core of our relations: looking forward to working together on reforms bringing Turkiye closer to the EU.” On November 29, 2023, Borrell had commented on EU relations with Turkiye after an EU assessment about Turkiye’s accession to the EU and underscored then that “Turkiye is a very important partner.” Borrell said that the EU is interested in “developing a mutually beneficial partnership with Turkiye – an important neighbor.” The EU policy chief said Europe can’t forget that Turkiye is a “key partner” despite accession talks remaining at what he said is a “standstill.”
Borrell had said that it is crucial to ensure a “stable and secure” environment in the Eastern Mediterranan which is a “strategic goal” of the EU, he reiterated. Part of that, is “engaging with Turkiye” on the Cyprus issue and maintaining good relations with Greece. He emphasized Turkiye has much to contribute in terms of cooperation and conflict resolution in the region. Borrell had also emphasized how important Turkiye’s role in the Black Sea is and as a NATO ally, which he said is crucial. Borrell commented in last year’s report that the EU must continue to take additional measures to engage with Turkiye “in areas of mutual interest” which he said include trade, investments, migration, connectivity, green and digital transition, energy and others. Though Borrell noted that there had been some difficulties in the past, he praised Turkiye’s “constructive attitude” and said there are still issues to discuss. Borrell remarked that because things are more “complex” and that there is a more “challenging geopolitical context” that the need for the EU to strengthen its security has a “profound impact” on EU-Turkiye relations.
