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Despite stormy relations between Germany over human rights issues with Turkey, the European Union's relationship with the latter continues to be based on interconnected.
La Croix discusses relations between the European Union and Turkey with Bayram Balci, a researcher at the Center for International Research (CERI) at the Institute of Political Science (Sciences Po) and a specialist on Turkey.
After Turkey extended the detention of a German human rights activist, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel held an urgent meeting on July 20 to decide on "action to be taken" regarding the deteriorating situation of public freedoms in Turkey.
La Croix: How do you view the current crisis between Germany and Turkey?
Bayram Balci: For the last year, in other words, since the attempted coup against Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the relationship between Germany and Turkey has been stormy.
Ankara accuses Berlin of sheltering people belonging to the Fethüllah Gülen network [which President Erdogan accuses of having fomented the coup: Editor].
There is a level of anger in Turkey at the idea that significant figures involved in the failed coup d'état are being hosted in Germany.
For its part, Berlin has refused to extradite these individuals because of its unease with Turkey's non-democratic processes.
Europeans do not understand Turkish anguish and cannot accept President Erdogan's excessive repression.
Angela Merkel cannot make too many concessions without emboldening Erdogan. So the crisis situation is likely to continue.
Why doesn't the EU cut ties with Turkey?
BB: The Europeans have several interests to preserve in regard to Ankara. At the strategic level, Turkey is an important partner in the battle against ISIS and it is a powerful member of NATO.
At the economic level, Ankara and Brussels are linked by a customs union and hundreds of European companies have established themselves on Turkish territory since 1995.
Finally, at the level of migration, Turkey controls Europe's borders. It is linked to Europe by the migration agreement signed on March 18, 2016, under which Ankara prevents people from crossing to Greece.
Whether we like it or not, there is an interdependence between Ankara and the European Union.
Could the EU impose sanctions on Turkey?
BB: If the situation in Turkey continues to deteriorate, the EU could put an end to the process of adhesion which has now dragged on for forty years.
No one believes in it anymore, not even President Erdogan, who has threatened to organize a referendum on the continuation of negotiations.
In Brussels view, Erdogan is clearly engaged in a threatening process.
The real rupture between the EU and Turkey will take place if he implements his threat to re-impose the death penalty there.
Is it appropriate to speak of Turkey's capacity to damage Europe?
BB: Yes and no. Yes, because Turkey can create problems for Europe by reneging on the migration agreement, which is working because the Turks have respected their commitments.
No, because President Erdogan does not exercise this capacity but is committed to the process of negotiation.
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