By Halef Kurt
This op-ed was first published on policypress.cy.
Türkiye – officially recognised as the country’s name by the United Nations in 2022 -‘s relationship with the European Union (EU) is deeply intertwined with both economic and political considerations. With approximately 70% of foreign direct investment to Türkiye coming from EU countries, the economic interdependence is undeniable. Programs such as the EU’s Security Action Program (SAFE) further highlight Türkiye’s potential role in European defense and security initiatives. Yet despite these tangible links, unresolved political issues – most notably the Cyprus question – remain a significant barrier to deeper cooperation. For Türkiye, advancing Cyprus talks is not merely a diplomatic choice; it is a necessity that can generate tangible mutual benefits for both sides.
Koopman highlights that progress on restarting Cyprus negotiations will allow efforts to modernize the Customs Union to resume
At the Brussels AB-Türkiye Business Summit on 17 November, organised by the Dış Ekonomik İlişkiler Kurulu (DEİK) and the European Business Summit (EBS), Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations at the European Commission, emphasised the enduring importance of modernising the Customs Union Agreement. Koopman stated, “If constructive engagement continues and we see progress toward restarting negotiations on the Cyprus issue, efforts to modernise the Customs Union will resume. This will, of course, help reshape the full potential of EU-Türkiye relations.” His remarks underline a critical point: political engagement on Cyprus is directly linked to unlocking broader economic and institutional opportunities for Türkiye.
Fidan emphasises SAFE program and EU relations as crucial for Türkiye
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed this sentiment in a television interview on 15 November, highlighting the EU’s SAFE program and its emphasis on defense capacity-building. While procedural rules and objections from Greece and the Republic’s administration may complicate the allocation of funds, Fidan emphasised that substantial opportunities remain for Türkiye to benefit from EU resources and expand the role of Turkish companies in European partnerships. These statements demonstrate that political progress – particularly on Cyprus – is essential for Türkiye to fully utilise the economic and strategic frameworks Europe offers.
Cyprus talks as a potential driver of change in Türkiye’s foreign policy
The significance of Cyprus talks extends beyond Türkiye’s internal calculations. Constructive negotiations now have the potential to influence a shift in Ankara’s approach to regional engagement, creating opportunities for both sides. With the election of Tufan Erhürman as leader of the Turkish Cypriot administration, there is cautious optimism that pragmatic dialogue could resume, opening the door to incremental progress on Cyprus-related issues. Rather than simply facilitating Türkiye’s economic or strategic objectives, these developments could reshape Ankara’s broader foreign policy stance, signaling a willingness to pursue stability and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In practical terms, renewed negotiations could yield measurable impacts. Modernising the Customs Union would improve trade and investment flows, while smoother political dialogue would allow EU programmes such as SAFE to be implemented more effectively. The combination of economic, strategic, and diplomatic gains demonstrates that Cyprus talks are not merely desirable – they are a potential catalyst for a reoriented, more cooperative foreign policy in the region.
In conclusion, Cyprus negotiations represent more than a political or economic opportunity for Türkiye; they are a critical lever for policy recalibration. Under Tufan Erhürman’s leadership, there is potential for meaningful progress, suggesting that cooperation on Cyprus could set a precedent for mutual benefit, stability, and a more balanced approach in Ankara’s external relations. In this context, the Cyprus issue is not just a hurdle to overcome but a gateway to shaping a new trajectory in Türkiye’s foreign policy.
