The resumption of negotiations regarding Türkiye's membership in the European Union is currently not on the EU agenda, according to EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the Commissioner emphasized the focus of current diplomatic efforts is on strengthening existing ties rather than formal integration. "My visit to Ankara is aimed at restoring trust and finding ways to increase the mutual benefit of our economic relations. The EU must reassess its relations with Türkiye, but there are no plans to resume membership negotiations," she noted.
According to Kos, the primary objective of the engagement is to build a robust partnership. She believes that peace in Ukraine will fundamentally alter European realities, particularly in the Black Sea region, making Ankara an increasingly vital partner for Brussels. Furthermore, the European Commission plans to present a study titled "Advancing the Interregional Cooperation Agenda" involving Türkiye, Central Europe, and the South Caucasus. This initiative will outline the investments required to develop critical transport and trade corridors connecting these regions, including routes passing through Azerbaijan.
Despite the push for economic cooperation, political hurdles remain as Greece and Cyprus oppose the normalization of relations unless Ankara makes specific concessions. EU officials indicate that Cyprus specifically demands that its vessels be allowed to dock at Turkish ports. Türkiye officially began its EU membership negotiations in 2005, a process that has remained largely stalled for nearly two decades due to various geopolitical and legislative disagreements.
The South Caucasus transport corridors mentioned by Commissioner Kos are of strategic importance to Azerbaijan, serving as a bridge between Europe and Asia. As a key player in the Middle Corridor initiative, Azerbaijan continues to invest in regional infrastructure to facilitate international trade. The EU's interest in these corridors underscores the growing significance of the region in ensuring energy security and diversifying global supply chains away from traditional northern routes.
