Turkey
Erdogan suffers biggest defeat since AKP foundation
Turkey’s opposition has dealt President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan a stinging blow by winning control of Istanbul in a re-run mayoral election, breaking his aura of invincibility and delivering a message from voters unhappy over his policies. Ekrem Imamoğlu of the...
EU ‘in full solidarity’ with Cyprus over Turkey drilling
The EU in the night to Friday (20 June) stepped up its rhetoric over Turkey's "illegal" drilling for oil and gas off Cyprus, raising the threat of sanctions if Ankara refuses to back down.
An innovative partnership in the assistance programme for Syrian refugees in Turkey
Alper Küçük and Nils Grede provide insight into the use of the EU’s Facility for Refugees in Turkey, which enables much-needed cash transfers to one and a half million vulnerable refugees living in host communities in Turkey.
First TV debate in nearly two decades ahead of Istanbul election re-run
The two candidates for the re-run of the mayoral election in Istanbul met in the first live television debate in 17 years on Sunday (16 June). The re-run will be held on 23 June. The event was broadcast on all...
EU warns Turkey over ‘illegal’ drilling off Cyprus
The European Union on Tuesday (18 June) hit out at Turkey for its "illegal drilling activities" off Cyprus and warned of possible retaliation over the controversial gas exploration bid.
Erdogan says drilling off Cyprus to continue despite warning
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday (16 June) said Turkey would not back down from gas exploration in Cyprus after southern European leaders urged Ankara to stop.
Turkey’s stalled membership will define the future and meaning of the European Union
The EU cultivates the impression that it is desperately cheerleading Ankara’s accession, only to be disappointed. In fact, letting Turkey join would entail a decision over the future of the European Union which no one, for now, seems ready to make, writes Faisal Al Yafai.
Is Turkey the Western anchor of the New Silk Road?
Despite sharing growing strategic interests with Russia and China, Ankara remains economically much more closely integrated with the West, if not even dependent, writes Nicola P. Contessi.
US will not accept more Turkish F-35 pilots over Russia air defenses
The United States has decided to stop accepting any additional Turkish pilots who planned to come to the United States to train on F-35 fighter jets, US officials say, in a clear sign of the escalating dispute over Ankara’s plans to purchase Russian air defenses.
Watad: The oil company that came from nowhere and became a key player in Syria
Life in rebel-held northwest Syria has, without a doubt, been made easier by Watad Petroleum’s presence. But with no information available publicly about who owns or runs it, there is a persistent suspicion about it, writes Haid Haid.
The football tournament you’ve never heard of
Eight football teams will duel it out in the foothills of the Caucasus this month to decide which is the best in Europe. But you will not find Germany, Italy or Spain on the match list and none of the teams taking part are fully recognised by the international community.
No new phase seen in EU-Turkey relations after EP elections
The latest European Commission progress reported has warned that Turkey is moving away from Europe. Little progress on the country's accession is expected under the new EU legislature in 2019-2024, but political analysts don't expect major negative changes either, as long as the refugee deal is in place.
Commission: Turkey has continued to move away from the EU
In its flagship annual report, the Commission warned Turkey that it has continued to move further away from the European Union, with serious backsliding in the areas of the rule of law and fundamental rights.
200,000 displaced Syrians flee towards Turkey
Pressure is mounting on Turkish authorities to open their borders to more than 200,000 refugees from Syria. What prevents the refugees from entering is a 764-km wall Turkey has built along the border, in fear of Kurdish "terrorists".
Turkey preparing for possible US sanctions over S-400s
Turkey’s defence minister said it was preparing for potential US sanctions over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defence systems, even while he said there was some improvement in talks with the United States over buying F-35 fighter jets.
Barnier urges Ankara to show restraint in Cyprus drilling spat
The European Union on Monday (20 May) called on Turkey to show restraint and respect the sovereign rights of Cyprus in a dispute over exploiting energy wealth off the Mediterranean island.
Tensions mount over Turkey’s drilling off Cyprus
Turkey launched a major naval exercise on Monday (13 May) in a show of force that comes amid mounting tensions over its plans to start drilling off Cyprus.
Dwindling Turkish economy looms large over Istanbul mayoral election
Turkish economy has been faced with one of the most challenging times in its history. The re-run decision of İstanbul mayoral election has unnerved financial markets and put pressure on the already ailing lira, which tumbled to its weakest level in eight months at 6.2460.
Re-run of Istanbul election: same candidates, different strategies
Istanbul is getting ready for a re-run of the mayoral election that has laid bare Turkey’s deep political divisions and raised concerns about its democracy. People are canceling vacations, and holiday resorts published spoofs about heavy snows expected on 23 June.
Erdogan obtains re-run of Istanbul election, opposition denounces ‘dictatorship’
Turkey’s High Election Board (YSK) has ordered a rerun of Istanbul's mayoral elections, accepting the ruling AK Party's objection 36 days after a stunning opposition victory in the country's biggest city.
Tensions mount in Turkey ahead of Istanbul election verdict
Turkey's highest electoral body is expected to rule in the coming hours on the appeal by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s AKP party, for a re-run of the Istanbul local elections, five weeks after a stunning opposition victory in the city.
Russian S-400s due in Turkey in July, despite US opposition
Russia will start the controversial delivery of the S-400 missile defence systems to Turkey in July, the head of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said, even though Washingon has threatened sanctions if the deal goes through.
Turkey’s opposition takes office in Istanbul, re-run appeal still pending
Turkey's main opposition candidate took office as Istanbul mayor on Wednesday (17 April) after a stunning victory over President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party, but the new head of the country's largest city still faces an appeal for the vote to be re-run.