Vienna, Austria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey’s relations with the European Union are being “held hostage by one country,” citing EU decision-making rules during a joint press conference with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger.
Criticism of EU decision-making
Fidan said there are “inherent rule-based dilemmas” within the EU, arguing that the preference of a country with a population of less than a million can block the wishes of 26 out of 27 member states representing 400 million people. He said this allows “Turkey and the European Union – 500 million people” to be “held hostage by one country,” adding that “the current system makes this possible.”
Cooperation beyond membership
He said the issue extends beyond EU membership to “pragmatic steps” in the relationship, including European security, critical infrastructure, Europe’s competitiveness, and the expansion of the digital space in Europe. He said that while a common structure of 500 million people could achieve progress in these areas, “a country with less than a million people can be a significant obstacle.”
Call for customs union membership and better terms
Fidan earlier called on the EU to allow Turkey full membership of the European customs union. Turkey currently has a customs union agreement with the EU, but as it is not a full EU member it does not enjoy full benefits. Under current terms, when the EU signs a trade deal with a third country, imports to Turkey from that country can no longer be tariffed, while that third country can continue to place tariffs on Turkish exports.
Ukraine war referenced in appeal to EU
Fidan pressed for improved terms and progress, saying that in light of the war between Russia and Ukraine and Turkey’s role, “what is the European Union waiting for?” He asked why membership has not happened despite what he described as geostrategic, geopolitical, and geoeconomic benefits Turkey could offer, adding that Turkey has not demanded accession without fulfilling membership conditions.
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