Belgium’s position on the EU’s Enlargement to Turkey

Executive Summary

Belgium’s position on the EU’s enlargement to Turkey is one that is cautious and conditional. Belgium recognizes the importance of maintaining good relations with Turkey, given their historical ties and economic interests. However, Belgium also has concerns regarding human rights issues and the rule of law in Turkey. As such, Belgium believes that any further enlargement negotiations with Turkey should be based on strict conditionality, focusing on democratic reforms and respect for human rights. Belgium also supports a differentiated approach to EU-Turkey relations, taking into account the specific challenges and interests of each member state.

Identification of Interests/Problems

Historical and Economic Ties: Belgium acknowledges the historical and cultural links between Belgium and Turkey, as well as the economic benefits of trade in goods and services. Turkey is an important trading partner for Belgium, particularly in sectors such as textiles, chemicals, and machinery.

Human Rights Concerns: Belgium has concerns regarding the state of human rights and the rule of law in Turkey. Issues such as freedom of expression, media freedom, and independence of the judiciary are areas of concern for Belgium.

Security Concerns: Belgium recognizes the importance of cooperation with Turkey in addressing common security challenges, such as terrorism and migration. However, Belgium also has concerns regarding Turkey’s military interventions in Syria and its role in the wider region.

EU Accession Process: Belgium acknowledges the challenges and inconsistencies in the EU’s accession process. It recognizes the need for a comprehensive and rigorous assessment of Turkey’s progress in meeting the accession criteria, including political reforms and alignment with EU values.

Comparison of Possible Alternative Measures

Full Membership: Some member states advocate for continuing the accession negotiations with Turkey with the goal of full membership. This approach emphasizes engagement and dialogue as a means to encourage democratic reforms and improve human rights in Turkey.

Suspended Accession Talks: Other member states argue for suspending or terminating the accession talks with Turkey due to concerns over human rights violations and the lack of progress in democratic reforms. This approach seeks to send a strong message to Turkey regarding the importance of respecting EU values.

Enhanced Partnership: An alternative option is to pursue an enhanced partnership with Turkey, focusing on areas of mutual interest such as trade, security, and migration. This approach recognizes the strategic importance of Turkey while acknowledging the challenges in achieving full membership.

Reference to Wider International Relations

Regional Conflicts: Belgium recognizes the impact of Turkey’s involvement in regional conflicts, such as its role in the Syrian civil war. This can have implications for Belgium’s interests in terms of security and stability in the region.

NATO: Turkey’s membership in NATO is relevant to Belgium’s interests as a member of the alliance. Belgium supports close cooperation within NATO but also acknowledges the need for discussions regarding differing perspectives on security issues.

Cyprus Issue: Belgium acknowledges the ongoing dispute between Cyprus and Turkey, which affects regional stability and EU-Turkey relations. Belgium supports efforts for a peaceful resolution to the Cyprus issue through dialogue and negotiations.

Recommendations

Conditional Engagement: Belgium recommends continuing the accession negotiations with Turkey but with strict conditionality. Progress should be assessed based on concrete reforms in areas such as human rights, rule of law, freedom of expression, and media freedom.

Differentiated Approach: Belgium supports a differentiated approach to EU-Turkey relations, taking into account the specific challenges and interests of each member state. This would allow for tailored engagement based on individual concerns and priorities.

Enhanced Partnership: Belgium suggests exploring an enhanced partnership with Turkey that focuses on areas of mutual interest such as trade, security, and migration. This approach would provide a framework for cooperation while acknowledging the challenges in achieving full membership.

References

European Commission. (2020). Turkey 2020 Report.
European Council. (9). Council conclusions on enlargement stabil and association process – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey.
European Union External Action. (2020). EU-Turkey Relations.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium. (2020). Turkey.