Thread by @IlkeToygur

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This article, published as a part of European Democracy Hub @Carnegie_Europe, has led to a lot of debate. Soon we will be organising roundtable discussions, but in the meantime i would like to share some observations: 1/

https://twitter.com/Carnegie_Europe/status/1488867299532558336

First of all I am very grateful that people took the time to read it and discuss it with me publicly or privately. The core aims of finding ways to contribute to EU-Turkey relations & democracy in Turkey are shared by many. 2/

The key premise of this article "the EU's relationship with Turkey is stuck at an impasse" is also accepted widely. The second step, however, requires a discussion. Some colleagues I very much respect think that Turkey's key achievement of EU candidacy should be preserved. 3/

For them the only way forward is going back to accession negotiations. Some others in Turkey and Europe think however, it is time to be innovative both in framework and in tools that guarantee cooperation in policy areas of mutual interest. 4/

They don't focus on acc.- it does not mean they would like to remove it from the picture, but they'd also complement it with a functioning framework. You could call it Plan B. If in the future accession works, just amazing. But if it doesn't we have built smtg else as well. 5/

This is why talking about an "association agreement plus" is an intellectually stimulating exercise. As i have stated clearly in the paper, the pre-condition for this is keeping the accession on the table and perceiving this as a complementary process. 6/

One more remark: The key to success - as in every political process - is the political will. Both the Turkish side and the Europeans (in EU institutions & member states) should state clearly that these processes are for improving relations. 6/

Final remark on the timing: For this (or any) approach to work, Turkey should set its path towards democracy, rule of law & basic rights. The EU should reconfirm its desire of improving relations with TR. Both sides should work towards the same goal. A dream? Not at all. 7/

History shows that EU-Turkey relations survived many storms. We need political will for:
- the framework
- improving policy cooperation
- defining Turkey's place in European security architecture in 21st century.
Scholars suggest ideas. Decision makers move them forward. End/