Even though the accession negotiations between the EU and Turkey are projected to last at least another ten to fifteen years, or in the worst case even twenty years, Turkey could become an important member state for the EU and an asset to its foreign policy . For this to happen, the foreign policies of the EU and Turkey will have to be supplementary, even and especially now in the phase of negotiations. Thus, the relationships between Turkey, on the one hand, and Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, on the other hand, have to be friendly to be an asset for the EU. However, the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and enlargement, especially with regard to Turkey, are mainly researched separately, because they are two distinctive EU policies. Are the interests and aims of the EU and Turkey in their relations to the countries of the Southern Caucasus compatible and can they lead to synergies?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The EU’s Foreign Policy and Turkish Foreign Policy
2.1. EU Foreign Policy
2.2. Turkish Foreign Policy
3. The European Neighbourhood Policy
4. The Southern Caucasus
4.1. Republic of Armenia
4.2. Republic of Azerbaijan
4.3. Georgia
4.4. Possible Synergies between the EU and Turkey in the Southern Caucasus
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This work aims to determine whether the foreign policy objectives of the European Union and Turkey in the Southern Caucasus are compatible and if they can achieve positive synergies. It explores the principles of both actors' foreign policies, the development of the European Neighbourhood Policy, and their respective relationships with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
- Analysis of the EU's structural foreign policy and the European Neighbourhood Policy.
- Examination of Turkish foreign policy principles and its role as a regional actor.
- Assessment of EU and Turkish relations with the three Southern Caucasus states.
- Identification of potential synergies and collaborative opportunities in the region.
Excerpt from the Book
4.4. Possible Synergies between the EU and Turkey in the Southern Caucasus
The Action Plans of the EU with the Southern Caucasus are very comprehensive and cover many issues, which have to be addressed by the countries respectively and in a coherent way, which could become the main obstacle for the EU’s structural foreign policy in the region. Therefore, the EU should maybe target pressing issues first, especially the conflicts in the region, but it seems to be reluctant to do so (Emerson, Noutcheva & Popescu, 2007, p.24), which is contrary to its rhetoric in the ESS and the Action Plans. The ESS declares that “[v]iolent or frozen conflicts, which also persist on our borders, threaten regional stability” (ESS, 2003, p.4) and the Georgia Action Plan, to quote an example, states that the EU is “committed to the settlement of Georgia’s internal conflicts, drawing on the instruments at the EU’s disposal, and in close consultation with the UN and OSCE. [Furthermore, it] is ready to consider ways to strengthen further its engagement” (Georgia Action Plan, 2006, p.2).
However, the EU recognises that there are weaknesses, especially in regard to regional conflicts, in the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on Strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy (Commission, 2006, pp.3-4). Thus, in this area the EU has to become more active and Turkey, owing to its close proximity and its experience in trying to find solutions to the conflicts can be a valuable asset and synergies can develop between the two actors.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the EU's role as a global actor and the evolution of its foreign policy instruments, including the European Neighbourhood Policy.
2. The EU’s Foreign Policy and Turkish Foreign Policy: Analyzes the theoretical principles and historical foundations guiding the foreign policies of the EU and Turkey.
3. The European Neighbourhood Policy: Describes the development and objectives of the ENP as a key tool for the EU's external relations in its immediate vicinity.
4. The Southern Caucasus: Details the individual political situations of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and evaluates potential synergies for EU-Turkish cooperation.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes findings, noting that while foreign policy outlooks are compatible, effective synergy requires more proactive engagement and conflict resolution.
Keywords
European Union, Turkey, Foreign Policy, Southern Caucasus, European Neighbourhood Policy, ENP, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Structural Foreign Policy, Conflict Resolution, Regional Cooperation, Soft Power, Conditionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work investigates the compatibility of EU and Turkish foreign policy objectives within the Southern Caucasus region.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The themes include EU foreign policy frameworks, the development of the European Neighbourhood Policy, and the specific dynamics between the EU, Turkey, and the three Southern Caucasus nations.
What is the core research question?
The research asks whether the interests and aims of the EU and Turkey regarding the Southern Caucasus are compatible and whether they can lead to positive synergies.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a comparative analysis of policy documents, regional strategies, and established international relations theories regarding foreign policy and structural diplomacy.
What is discussed in the main part of the text?
The main part covers the historical and strategic background of both EU and Turkish foreign policies, the implementation of the ENP, and in-depth analyses of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
Which keywords define the research?
Key terms include EU-Turkey relations, the Southern Caucasus, structural foreign policy, European Neighbourhood Policy, and regional conflict resolution.
How does the author evaluate the "carrot" of EU membership in the ENP?
The author argues that the absence of the membership incentive (a "carrot") is a major flaw that limits the effectiveness of the ENP compared to previous enlargement processes.
What role does the Armenian Diaspora play in Turkey-Armenia relations?
The author identifies the Armenian Diaspora, particularly in France, as a highly vocal and influential factor that complicates diplomatic relations and reconciliation efforts between Turkey and Armenia.
- Quote paper
- MA Judith Becker (Author), 2007, EU and turkish foreign policies - synergies for the Southern Caucasus?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/86011
