ANKARA – Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is attending a crucial meeting with European Union ministers in Brussels on Thursday, marking the first such visit in five years. The meeting is seen as an opportunity to mend and improve relations between Ankara and the EU, which have been strained over issues including human rights concerns and policy disputes in the eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey’s bid to join the EU, which began two decades ago, has been largely frozen due to these disputes. However, the relationship remains important, especially with Turkey being a NATO member and a key partner for the EU in managing migration.
Tensions peaked in 2019, particularly with Greece, leading the EU to cut off some dialogue channels and threaten sanctions against Turkey. Relations have gradually improved since 2021, with the resumption of high-level talks.
The EU’s invitation to Fidan is seen by Ankara as an effort to reopen dialogue and potentially deepen ties, especially considering Turkey’s status as a candidate country for EU membership. Fidan is expected to push for concrete steps to strengthen relations, including discussions on visa liberalization and the modernization of the EU-Turkey Customs Union—topics that Turkey has been eager to advance.
During his visit, Fidan will meet with key EU figures, including EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and the bloc’s commissioner for enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi. He will also hold separate talks with his counterparts from Greece, Spain, Belgium, and Slovakia. The discussions will cover a range of issues, including Ukraine, Middle Eastern tensions, and developments in the Southern Caucasus.
This visit comes at a time when Turkey has been vocal in its criticism of Western allies, particularly regarding their support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The meeting is expected to touch on these broader geopolitical issues as well.