Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, in an unexpected move, said on Monday the European Union should open the way for Ankara's accession to the bloc before Turkey's parliament approves Sweden's bid to join the NATO military alliance. Turkey's bid to join the EU has been frozen for years after membership talks were launched in 2005 under Erdogan's first term as prime minister. The ties between Ankara and members of the bloc soured several years ago, especially after a 2016 failed coup attempt in Turkey, but have since largely improved.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, in an unexpected move, said on Monday the European Union should open the way for Ankara’s accession to the bloc before Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s bid to join the NATO military alliance. Turkey’s bid to join the EU has been frozen for years after membership talks were launched in 2005 under Erdogan’s first term as prime minister. The ties between Ankara and members of the bloc soured several years ago, especially after a 2016 failed coup attempt in Turkey, but have since largely improved.

  • scyrp@kbin.socialOP
    1·
    1 year ago

    SS: In a new move of shifting goal posts, Turkish president Erdogan has linked Swedish accession with renewed talks if Turkish EU membership. This is expected to be aimed at domestic audiences as Sweden is already covered by mutual defense treaties with neighbors and is closely aligned with NATO members. It is not expected to integrate Turkey into the EU anytime soon as it would disturb the balance of power within the alliance. Rapid EU expansion resulting in a debt crisis and political instability within the Union have also made members more wary of bringing in new members without heavy vetting.