European Union reverses course, places Türkiye in Enlargement Directorate
European Union flags waving in the wind in front of the Europa building. (AFP Photo)
The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step by reversing a previous decision regarding Türkiye’s classification within its institutional framework, placing the country under the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood (ENEST).
The decision marks a departure from the previous arrangement in which Türkiye was grouped with Middle Eastern and North African countries.
Under the new structure, Türkiye will now be under the same directorate responsible for EU candidate and potential candidate countries, including Moldova and Georgia.
Türkiye reclassified under enlargement framework
The restructuring means that Türkiye will no longer be categorized alongside countries such as Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Syria but rather with nations actively engaged in EU enlargement discussions.
ENEST also oversees relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia, countries with potential EU integration prospects.
Ankara had previously expressed dissatisfaction with its placement outside the EU’s enlargement framework, arguing that it contradicted Türkiye’s status as a long-standing candidate country.
The latest move has been viewed as a step toward addressing those concerns.
New commissioner signals policy shift
This organizational shift also reflects a broader change in approach under the new European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. Unlike her predecessor, Oliver Varhelyi, who was often criticized for a lack of engagement with Türkiye, Kos has projected a more inclusive stance.
Varhelyi did not visit Türkiye until nearly two years into his tenure, whereas Kos has signaled her intent to engage with Ankara more directly.
Less than three months into her role, she is reportedly planning a visit to Türkiye in the near future. Recently speaking at the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee session, Marta Kos, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, confirmed plans for the meeting. “We appreciate what Türkiye has done in assisting Syrian refugees,” said Kos.
“We are planning to establish a high-level economic dialogue with Türkiye in March or April,” Kos stated.
