In an article in Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper, Turkey’s ‘Abdülhamid Khan’ move in the Mediterranean was discussed.
“Silence is the best option – why doesn’t the EU want a dispute with Erdogan?” In the article titled, it was stated that the EU was disturbed by this, but remained silent due to Turkey’s increasing geopolitical importance.
In the article, it was reminded that Turkey has once again sent a drilling ship to the Eastern Mediterranean and that the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that the ship “Abdülhamid Han” will “keep searching until it finds something”. was done.
“BATI IS UNCOMFORTABLE FROM ERDOĞAN”
In the article, it was stated that the exploratory mission is sensitive because relations between Turkey and the EU have not improved recently, and the following statements were included:
“The dissatisfaction with Erdogan has been growing in Brussels for weeks. Not only the tension with Greece, but also his rapprochement with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other autocrats has disturbed his Western partners. Western officials have been loud about the sanctions against Ankara in the Financial Times. they are already thinking out loud. Some voices are calling for removal from NATO. “Our patience is limited,” says one EU diplomat.
“… BUT ERDOĞAN IS TOO IMPORTANT TO BE TREATED RIGHT”
In the article, the reasons why the West could not put pressure on Turkey despite all its indigestion were stated as follows:
“…However, there are several reasons why the EU and the US are unlikely to take action against their NATO partner and EU membership candidate. Turkey has become too important to be tough on the government and President Erdogan.
Two years ago, the EU imposed sanctions on the shipment of a Turkish drill ship. Since the war in Ukraine, gas exploration has created a different environment. Western countries, including Turkey, are struggling to become less dependent on Russian gas imports.
At the same time, Turkey’s geopolitical importance in the war increased. After all, Ankara watches over the straits, has the second largest NATO army in terms of numbers, and has several NATO bases on the alliance’s key southeast flank. Also, the government in Ankara has excellent links with the Middle East and Asia.
“TURKEY IS AN ALLIANCE WE CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT”
Former US ambassador to NATO, Ivo Daalder, wrote in an article for the Politico news site, “Turkey is an ally that makes life difficult but we cannot live without it.”
According to Daalder, his exclusion from NATO would not have been an option either, because this could only happen with Ankara’s consent.
Pointing out that President Erdoğan played a constructive role many times in the Ukraine war, Handelsblatt’s article said, “He delivered modern Turkish SİHAs to the Ukrainians. The grain deal was also concluded with his mediation. Beyond that, messages from the West to Putin in Brussels.” He is seen as a leader who can communicate.” statements were included.
“EU CANNOT MAKE A REQUEST FROM TURKEY”
In the article, it was stated that Russia’s trade relationship with Turkey has strengthened despite the sanctions, but the EU, which made a sanction list, could not say anything about it. He can’t make much of a request.” it was said.
While it has been stated that the disturbances against Erdogan have only been spoken in Brussels and conveyed to Ankara through low-level diplomatic channels, “The European Parliament says that silence is now the “best option”. statements were included.