Turkey
Turkish instability threatens Europe from the Italian flank
Market pressure, financial exposure and a potential review of a key migration deal with Ankara has made Italy the most vulnerable country to the recent financial turmoil in Turkey.
Turkey crisis risks souring military ties with US
The crisis in US-Turkish relations, which already has put Turkey's economy under massive strain, also risks souring military ties between the two NATO allies, unleashing unknown geopolitical consequences.
Greek minister: Erdogan planned the arrest of our two soldiers
The arrest of two Greek soldiers at the border with Turkey was “pre-planned” and ordered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Greek defence minister Panos Kammenos has claimed.
Hahn on Western Balkans: Exporting stability instead of importing instability
The Commission is satisfied with its Western Balkans strategy, as it has triggered a new dynamic in the region. In an interview with EURACTIV Germany, Commissioner for Enlargement, Johannes Hahn, however, pleads for realism.
Cypriot minister: We hope for resumption of reunification talks
Cypriot Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides said on Tuesday (17 July) there was new hope of resuming talks on Cypriot reunification, with a new UN envoy about to start meetings with all parties in an effort to relaunch the talks.
Turkey and the migration crisis: a positive example for the Transatlantic community
Supposedly illiberal Turkey has set a powerful and positive example for upholding one of the most central of humanitarian values: providing shelter, opportunity, and hope to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, writes Matthew Bryza.
Turkey reboots with masterplan for Erdogan one-man rule until 2028
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will be sworn in for a second term today (9 July), wielding hefty new constitutional powers as he oversees a radically different system of government.
Not too close but not too far away: The EU’s relations with the new Turkey
The 24 June elections marked the start of a new term in the Turkish Republic’s political history as the elections completed the transition from a parliamentary to a presidential system. The result of these elections could affect Turkey's relations with the EU, writes Seda Gurkan.
EU summit approves tortured conclusions on migration after sleepless night
EU leaders reached a much-needed deal on steps to tackle migration after resolving a bitter row with Italy's inexperienced prime minister. Extended talks lasted through the night and only wrapped up on Friday morning (29 June).
Chilly Western reactions to Erdogan’s win
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan yesterday (26 June) celebrated winning sweeping new powers in a decisive election victory, as his main rival accepted the outcome despite complaints over an unequal campaign that alarmed the EU.
Greek FM: Europe must keep its word to North Macedonia and Albania
EXCLUSIVE / EU capitals should keep their word and open accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania at the 28-29 June summit, Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias told EURACTIV.com in a wide-ranging interview.
Erdogan wins presidential election, opposition yet to concede
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan won Turkey's presidential election on Sunday (24 June), the head of the country's electoral body said, overcoming the biggest electoral challenge to his rule in a decade and a half.
Turkish opposition mobilises to ensure fair play in tight poll
One hundred people listen to presentations crammed into a room in Istanbul, defying the oppressive summer heat and attentively taking notes. Their aim -- to ensure Sunday's elections in Turkey are not marred by election fraud.
Why new coal in Turkey and the Balkans will test China’s and EU’s climate leadership
The EU and China have to live up to their responsibilities on climate change and use every opportunity to support the Western Balkans and Turkey to move beyond coal. This means renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, not new coal, argue Elif Gündüzyeli and Igor Kalaba.
Turkey organises busloads of AKP supporters to vote in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian public channel bTV released footage of busloads of Turkish nationals of Bulgarian origin, coming to their country of birth to vote for the 24 June election.
Austria to expel 60 imams with links to Turkey
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced on 8 June his plans to expel foreign-funded imams and shut down seven mosques to tackle “political Islam”. EURACTIV’s partner Ouest-France reports.
Italy cannot be ‘Europe’s refugee camp’, Salvini says
Italy's new hardline interior minister Matteo Salvini said Sunday that "common sense" was needed to stop the country from being "Europe's refugee camp" as he visited a migrant centre in the south.
Erdogan holds controversial election rally in Bosnia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday (20 May) addressed thousands of expatriate Turks in Sarajevo at his only election rally outside Turkey after other European countries banned such events.
Erdogan mobilises diaspora, ‘friends’ in Balkans
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan holds a rally in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo to drum up support among the Turkish diaspora. Three days after the EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia, Bulgaria, the Balkans confirm their strategic position.
Cyprus energy – averting a US-Turkey crisis
A storm is brewing as a conflict between the US and Turkey is emerging. Exxon Mobil's plans for natural gas in Cypriot water is strongly opposed by Turkey, which could send warships to block drilling, as it has done in the past. A solution to the crisis would be to start talks on energy issues among the parties of the Cyprus conflict, writes Matthew Bryza.
Assad accuses Erdogan of close ties to Muslim Brotherhood
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was assigned by the US government to interfere in Syria when the terrorists lost control of different areas, Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad told Greek daily Kathimerini in an interview.
Greek ambassador: I hope Turkey will act as an ally and release our soldiers
Greece will continue striving for the release of the two Greek officers, who have been detained in Turkey for more than a month, and hopes Ankara will act as an ally and abide by the international law and practice, Greek Ambassador to the EU, Andreas Papastavrou, told EURACTIV.com in an interview.
Greece sends home Turkish citizen who ‘accidentally’ crossed the border
Greece deported to Turkey on Monday (7 May) a Turkish citizen who accidentally crossed into its territory last week, in a move the local press described as a goodwill message to Ankara, which still holds two detained Greek soldiers.
Turkey vows to launch new cross-border military operations
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday (6 May) said Turkey would launch cross-border offensives, like previous military operations in Syria, in the "new era" after snap polls on 24 June.