Thread by @viaduct_eu

Our discussion of the latest developments on EU-Turkey relations coming from the recent @EUCouncil summit has just started

Here are some key takeaways⤵️

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After our moderator gives us an overview of developments, @SenemAydnDzgit from @ipc_ipm/@sabanciu gives her initial analysis

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"I didn't think sanctions would be the EU's primary option, so in my view the summit declarations are a mid-way formula to save time until the winter, giving Turkey time to reassess its position and negotiate, and giving Europe much needed flexibility"

- @SenemAydnDzgit

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"We should note the positive agenda put forward in the summit conclusion: Turkey is moving away from unilateralism and back towards the negotiating table"

- @SenemAydnDzgit from @ipc_ipm/@sabanciu

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"Another point which strikes me is that this deal sounds very much like Germany's formula - as opposed to France's more assertive tone - worked"

- @SenemAydnDzgit from @ipc_ipm/@sabanciu

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"As long as Greece and Cyprus remain EU Member States, it's difficult for the EU to be a neutral observer, making Turkey uneasy, but the compromise has shown that there are limits to Cyprus and Greece's influence within the EU"

- @SenemAydnDzgit from @ipc_ipm/@sabanciu

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.@SenemAydnDzgit has finished giving her initial analysis, so you can already use the chat function to ask questions on this initial presentation

While you get your questions in on @SenemAydnDzgit's contribution, we welcome Wolfgang Wessels to the floor to give his analysis

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Wolfgang Wessels from @UniCologne begins his presentation with an analysis of the historical context of EU-Turkey relations, the role of the @EUCouncil, and how this informs current developments

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"In a sense the division of labour between leaders in the @EUCouncil was where France's Macron was the bad cop and Germany's Merkel was the good cop"

- @UniCologne's Wolfgang Wessels

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Speaking on the "positive political agenda" mentioned in the @EUCouncil conclusions, Wolfgang Wessels says "this opens the door to really have a deeper cooperation where we could really establish some kind of close relationship between Europe and Turkey"

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Wolfgang Wessels closes his presentation by opening himself up to challenge on his assertions and analysis

Well, questions are already pouring in for our experts to discuss on the topic of these recent developments in EU-Turkey relations

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The Q&A session is underway!

Get your questions in while you still can!

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As is customary with these online discussions - especially on ongoing political developments - we've run past our allotted time slot!

On that note, and after an exciting Q&A discussion with the audience, we're closing up this discussion

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Thanks to our key speakers @SenemAydnDzgit from @ipc_ipm/@sabanciu and Wolfgang Wessels from CETEUS at @UniCologne!

/ENDS

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