The European Council indicates to continue Turkey’s European course. But not at all costs

Brussels–The European Council today (April 17) adopted the conclusions on the procedures to pursue the process of Turkey’s rapprochement with the Union. The summit of EU leaders passed the baton over to the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) with the task of advancing “work on the recommendations of the European Council, in line with previous European Council conclusions and in a phased, proportionate, and reversible manner,” according to the text published at the end of the first day of the European Council.

The road to a possible future integration of Turkey continues, following the work outlined by the strategic report on EU-Turkey relations in November 2023. Charles Michel, president of the European Council, stressed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) how “the EU has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey.”

The Cyprus issue — defined as of “particular importance” in the EU summit conclusions – however, remains on the table, with the island divided in two: on one side the Republic of Cyprus, a member of the EU since 2004, and on the other North Cyprus, a de facto independent state but recognized only by Ankara. It is precisely in this regard that, according to Michel, it is important to reopen talks for a peaceful settlement: “The EU is ready to play an active role in supporting the UN-led process.”