What Europe must do to gain Türkiye’s trust

Following the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, which signaled a potential recalibration of Washington’s stance on the Ukraine war, European leaders quickly sought to reaffirm their support for Kyiv. 

Just days later, a high-profile summit in London brought together key European leaders, including Türkiye’s foreign minister, to showcase solidarity with Ukraine. Recent developments have highlighted a notable shift in Europe’s view of Türkiye as an indispensable partner.

However, Europe cannot expect to collaborate with Türkiye and benefit from its strategic advantages without making concessions. To do so, it must take concrete steps to persuade Turkish policymakers and regain the trust of the Turkish public.

The events of the past decade remain vivid in the minds of many, fostering a collective awareness of Europe’s past support for groups affiliated with the PKK terror organization. Additionally, Turkish citizens have faced stringent visa application processes, and NATO partners have imposed arms embargoes on Türkiye.

This skepticism is well-founded. For the past decade, Europe has treated Türkiye as a second-tier partner, only now shifting toward seeking closer collaboration in light of the wars unfolding around Türkiye.

Unlike Ukraine, which Western European countries view with caution despite the geographical distance, Turkish soldiers have been bombed by Russian aircraft in their own bordering cities in Syria.

Now a report revealed an increasing use of “Türkiye” instead of “Turkey,” a notable shift considering the historical reluctance of European commentators to adopt the Turkish-preferred spelling. Additionally, images depicting Türkiye as an integral part of Europe began circulating, in contrast to past EU narratives that often sought to distance Türkiye from the bloc.

Amid this backdrop, Turkish politicians and analysts have called for concrete actions rather than rhetorical shifts. There are key areas where Europe can take swift action to rebuild trust and foster genuine cooperation with Türkiye. 

Addressing these issues would not only strengthen bilateral relations but also serve Europe’s own strategic interests. Among the most pressing matters are updating the Customs Union, resolving visa-related issues, integrating Türkiye to European defense initiatives and finding a solution to their energy problems in Türkiye’s collaboration. Without tangible commitments in these areas, Europe’s sudden shift in rhetoric risks being seen as opportunistic rather than a meaningful step toward partnership.

Customs Union renewal

One of the most immediate and tangible steps Europe can take to rebuild trust with Türkiye is the modernization of the Customs Union agreement. The current framework, established in 1995, no longer aligns with the evolving economic landscape, as Türkiye has expressed on the official level on many occasions. 

The agreement excludes services, agriculture, and public procurement, limiting the potential for deeper economic cooperation. Updating the Customs Union would bring mutual benefits, increasing market access for both sides and fostering a more resilient economic partnership. By addressing these outdated terms, Europe can show a genuine commitment to maintaining a balanced, forward-looking relationship with Türkiye while benefiting from access to relatively cheaper, high-quality production.

Longer you stall, longer you shall wait

One of the most sensitive issues for the Turkish public is the long-standing challenge of visa restrictions. Despite years of negotiations, Türkiye remains excluded from the European Union’s visa-free regime, creating frustration among Turkish citizens and businesses alike. 

Accelerating the visa liberalization process would be a powerful symbolic and practical step toward rebuilding trust. It would facilitate travel, trade, and academic exchanges, fostering greater people-to-people connectivity. A streamlined visa process would not only benefit Turkish nationals but also serve European businesses seeking closer cooperation with their counterparts in Türkiye.

Security talks without Europe’s largest army

While NATO remains the central pillar of transatlantic security, Europe’s evolving defense landscape must recognize Türkiye’s strategic role. The European Defence Fund (EDF) and the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) offer opportunities for deeper defense collaboration, yet Türkiye remains largely excluded. 

Allowing Turkish participation in select projects under these frameworks would strengthen European security architecture, particularly given Türkiye’s military capabilities and geopolitical positioning. A more inclusive approach to defense cooperation would reinforce the message that Europe values Türkiye as a key security partner rather than an external actor.

Energy isn’t ideological 

Türkiye’s geographical position makes it a natural energy hub between Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Strengthening energy cooperation is crucial for both sides, particularly in light of Europe’s efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy.

The expansion of projects like the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and TurkStream could enhance Europe’s energy security while solidifying Türkiye’s role as a vital transit country. Investment in energy infrastructure and diversified supply routes would benefit both parties, ensuring long-term stability in the European energy market.

Diplomatic support and encouraging investment

Türkiye’s diplomatic reach extends beyond its borders, playing a crucial role in regional stability across the Eastern Mediterranean, the Caucasus, and the Middle East. The European Union has often engaged with these regions independently, sometimes overlooking Türkiye’s influence. 

Strengthening collaboration in diplomatic efforts, particularly in conflict resolution and crisis management, would acknowledge Türkiye’s contributions to regional security such as in Syria & Libya. Addressing the ongoing migration crisis through a sustainable funding mechanism would help alleviate Türkiye’s burden, ensuring that it remains a stable partner rather than a pressured frontline state. It would also enable Türkiye to assist Europe for the same cause in Libya.

On the other hand, Foreign direct investment (FDI) from Europe into Türkiye has declined in recent years, partly due to economic uncertainty and political tensions. To reverse this trend, Europe should establish mechanisms that encourage long-term investment in strategic sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and renewable energy. Increased investment would not only support Türkiye’s economic growth but also deepen economic interdependence, making the relationship more resilient to political fluctuations.

The cost of credibility

For Europe to establish a credible and sustainable partnership with Türkiye, concrete actions must replace symbolic gestures. Modernizing economic agreements and enhancing defense cooperation are essential steps toward restoring trust and ensuring that both sides maintain their strategic advantages in a world where Europe is losing allies.

By addressing these key areas, both Türkiye and Europe stand to benefit. This would not only strengthen Türkiye’s position but also contribute to a more stable, secure, and economically interconnected Europe.