Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to "part ways" with the European Union if the bloc does not resume its membership talks with Ankara. The threat comes at a time when Turkey-EU relations are already strained over a number of issues, including human rights, democracy, and migration.
Why is Erdogan threatening to leave the EU?
Erdogan has accused the EU of stalling Turkey's membership talks for political reasons. He has also expressed frustration with the bloc's criticism of Turkey's human rights record.
In recent years, Erdogan has cracked down on dissent in Turkey, jailing journalists, academics, and activists. He has also been criticized for his handling of the Syrian refugee crisis.
The EU has made it clear that Turkey must improve its human rights record and respect for democracy before its membership talks can resume. However, Erdogan has shown no signs of backing down on these issues.
What are the implications of Erdogan's threat?
If Erdogan were to carry out his threat and leave the EU, it would have a significant impact on both Turkey and the bloc.
Turkey would lose access to the EU's single market and customs union, which would damage its economy. The country would also lose out on billions of euros in EU funding.
For the EU, losing Turkey would be a blow to its security and stability. Turkey is a key ally in the fight against terrorism and migration. It is also a strategically important country, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
What's next for Turkey-EU relations?
It is unclear what Erdogan will do next. He may be trying to pressure the EU into making concessions, or he may be genuinely prepared to leave the bloc.
If Erdogan does decide to leave the EU, it would be a major setback for both sides. However, it is also possible that the two parties will be able to find a way to resolve their differences and keep Turkey on the path to EU membership.
Here are some possible scenarios for the future of Turkey-EU relations:
Conclusion
The future of Turkey-EU relations is uncertain. The threat by President Erdogan to leave the bloc is a serious one, but it is also possible that the two parties will be able to find a way to resolve their differences and keep Turkey on the path to EU membership.
