Thread by @viaduct_eu

"Different Challenges and Changed Realities: EU-Turkey Relations Five Years After The EU-Turkey Statement On Migration" is about to start!

Follow along for some great highlights from our contributors!

/THREAD

"Bridges is what we currently need in EU-Turkey relations: we have always witnessed ups and downs, but have until now always been resilient"

- @FundaTekin17 from @IEP_Berlin

/2

.@JorgWojahn from @EUinDE gives his opening remarks

/3

"We considered the EU-Turkey Statement a major success, coming at the height of the refugee crisis, with EU leaders taking personal credit for the Statement's achievements"

- @JorgWojahn from @EUinDE

/4

"In essence it has worked very well, but has not prevented the overall relationship from deteriorating, partly due to Turkey's ambitions, and the fact that the EU must learn the language of power"

- @JorgWojahn from @EUinDE

/5

"The difficulties Turkey introduces into the EU itself, namely due to individual Member States' interests being in conflict with Turkey's interests"

- @JorgWojahn from @EUinDE

/6

We are now joined by Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, Head of @EUDelegationTur in Ankara

/7

"I've been dealing with EU-Turkey relations for many years, either in Brussels or in Berlin or in Bonn. What is new for me is to live this relationship from the other side, from Ankara"

- Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, @EUDelegationTur

/8

"Perceptions differ a lot, and perceptions matter. So there is a lot of explanation to be done. This many not immediately solve issues, but without this, we many not solve issues in future"

- Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, @EUDelegationTur

/9

"We should always keep in mind that Turkey is indispensable to Europe because it is very close to Europe. We have a long history of relations, and Europe and Turkey will always be there"

- Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, @EUDelegationTur

/10

"Strategically important, neighbour, candidate country: three terms which define the EU-Turkey relationship"

- Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, @EUDelegationTur

/11

"The @EUCouncil decision of October 1st is very important, offering the possibility for entering into a positive agenda, for the first time in at least two years offering to open up relations rather than restrict them"

- Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, @EUDelegationTur

/12

"Engaging means taking into account the expectations which have been expressed, expectations which are very clear in terms of de-escalation in the East Mediterranean"

- Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, @EUDelegationTur
/13

"We are at a crucial juncture. The upcoming weeks can open up a new positive agenda, which will require good will from Turkey"

- Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, @EUDelegationTur

/14

"There are many issues to be solved, and these will not be solved before the end of the year. But we can get into a position where it is more probable that we can solve them, which is beneficial for everyone"

- Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, @EUDelegationTur

/15

"We will have intensive diplomatic efforts over the coming weeks, that we will be successful, and that trust can develop. That is what I think we need most: renewed trust and reminder of why we need this relationship"

- Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, @EUDelegationTur

/16

"I want to note this: the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, fundamental rights, freedom of expression, and so on need to be addressed. These are important from the European point of view"

- Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, @EUDelegationTur

/17

"The next weeks are crucial for forming a basis for more substantial works in future, but as I say, it takes two to tango: we are waiting for political will on the Turkish side fro engage on this political agenda"

- Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, @EUDelegationTur

/18

After Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut's fascinating intervention, we open the floor up to questions

/19

After a fascinating Q&A session with our speakers: Amb. Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut (@EUDelegationTur), @JorgWojahn (@EUinDE), and @FundaTekin17 (@IEP_Berlin), we conclude this lunchtime debate. Thanks to all our contributors, and stay tuned for more similar content in future!

/ENDS

@threadreaderapp please unroll