By Mahmoud Ali
In what is regarded by many as blackmail, Turkey managed to reach a deal with Brussels over the European refugee crisis. It is widely believed that Turkish president Recep Erdoğan has used the crisis to pose political pressure on European governments to receive €6bn over the coming three years. Moreover, Turkish citizens are to be allowed to travel to EU without requiring entry visas as of next June.
Turkey’s dream to become a member of the EU may finally come true
Thirty years after the first negotiations between Turkey and Brussels , it seems that the Turkish dream to join the European Union could finally come true.
Ankara had previously approached the EU several times, yet all its attempts or related progress seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. But lately and because of the refugee crisis, negotiations have taken a totally different turn. The EU suggested that it may not completely oppose Turkey becoming a member state, if in return, it tackled the refugee crisis.
Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has recently announced that Turkey is waiting for EU to take necessary measures introducing new chapters to Turkey’s EU membership negotiations. He added that becoming a full EU member is his cabinet’s top priority, and to that end, Ankara is willing to exert whatever efforts necessary.
A financial goal
Besides joining the EU, Turkey holds a financial goal before its eyes. Turkish President demanded €6bn from the EU to contain the massive flow of illegal refugees leading some analysts to describe this demand as refugee trafficking. Moreover, Erdogan requested that these funds be paid in advance, announcing that his country will not be able to tackle the crisis now, seeing as to how it requires more money. It is expected that EU will speed up unlocking the first tranche of €3bn to Turkey while the other tranche would be granted once the first is fully used on refugee aid.
Schengen Visa
In another attempt to secure privileges to gain Turkish public approval, regardless of Syrian refugee suffering, the Erdogan government insisted that the deal includes allowing its citizens to travel to Schengen countries without a visa. Meanwhile, Europe promised to conclude relevant measures within a few months, including that Turkish nationals are allowed to move freely across EU borders latest as of next June.
