Geopolitical shifts have put into question the effectiveness of the EU’s strategic partnerships. Crises in its vicinity present the union with an opportunity to reassess this foreign policy framework.
With the Turkish opposition’s stunning electoral upset on Sunday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party are finally reaping the consequences of ill-considered macroeconomic policies. But the real winner of these critical local elections may be Turkish democracy.
Erdogan and his aides have wasted no time offering three reminders of the president’s power.
The outcome of Turkey’s vote will impact the country’s economy, governance, and international posture. A large victory of the ruling party would reinforce Erdogan’s personal power and strengthen his ties to Putin.
The power Iran projects on the international scene masks a fragile regime that fears for its survival. The EU should comprehensively assess the challenges Tehran poses and adjust its policy accordingly.
The EU’s selective application of international law has tarnished its reputation in the Middle East and the Global South. Repairing the damage will be extremely difficult.
Turkey continues its balancing act, siding with the West on Ukraine but relying on Russia to pursue its ambitions of becoming a regional energy center. While progress toward bringing Turkey closer to the West will have its limits, there is scope for more cooperation between Brussels and Ankara.
