The European Union is turning to Turkey to discuss matters relating to Syria due to Ankara’s significant influence in the country following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Western leaders have been reaching out to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to address the latest developments in Syria, as Turkey has emerged as the main outside power broker in the region. The EU is now instructing a senior diplomat to engage with the provisional government in Syria and is looking to use Ankara’s influence to ensure a smooth transition that guarantees unity and respect for the rights of all minorities in the country.
President of the EU Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen is expected to emphasize two main issues during discussions with President Erdogan. The first is to establish a genuine unity government in Damascus and the second is to avoid military confrontation between Turkish-aligned rebel militias and Kurdish militias. The EU is cautious in its dealings with Turkey, as President Erdogan is seen as unpredictable, which causes insecurity in Brussels. Turkey is a candidate country for EU accession, but progress has stalled, and negotiations have effectively reached a standstill. The EU is providing financial assistance to Turkey to support Syrian refugees, but Ankara is seeking more assistance and wants to send refugees back to Syria under certain conditions.
Turkey’s desire to have Syrian refugees return to their country raises legal and infrastructure issues that must be addressed. Under the al-Assad regime, refugees were considered terrorists, leading to sanctions that must be repealed. Additionally, much of Syria’s housing infrastructure has been destroyed, so returnees may not have a place to stay. The EU is providing another one billion euros to support Syrian refugees in Turkey, which could potentially be used to facilitate their return to Syria. The Turkish leadership is likely seeking to extend EU assistance for Syrian refugees by providing assistance for their return, although this is a complex issue that will need to be addressed in discussions between the EU and Turkey.
Turkey plays a significant role in the Syrian crisis and has major troops stationed in the northern part of Syria. Ankara, like the EU, supports tolerance and territorial integrity in Syria but faces uncertainties regarding the future of Syrian society. Security remains a crucial issue in Syria, especially with the remnants of the Islamic State still present in the country. The EU will need to work with Turkey to ensure a peaceful and unified Syria, without sparking another civil war or military confrontation with Kurdish rebels. Discussions between the EU and Turkey will focus on addressing these challenges and finding solutions that benefit both parties and contribute to stability in the region.
Overall, the EU is looking to leverage Turkey’s influence in Syria to address key issues such as unity, security, and refugee returns. President Erdogan’s pragmatism and relationships with regional actors, including Vladimir Putin, make him a key player in the Syrian crisis. The EU will need to navigate its cautious relationship with Turkey while working towards common goals in Syria. Discussions between the EU and Turkey will likely cover a range of topics, including unity in Damascus, avoiding military confrontation, and facilitating refugee returns. Cooperation between the EU and Turkey will be crucial in determining the future stability and security of Syria and the region as a whole.
