The European Union (EU) and Turkey are pursuing deeper cooperation on visa policies, a critical matter for their evolving relationship. During recent high-level talks, officials emphasized the need for smoother travel procedures benefiting Turkish nationals and the EU.
EU on shared priorities
EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, met this week in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the EU-Turkey relationship.
Speaking to the press, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of both parties working on their common priorities, such as visas. She also underscored the importance of fostering mobility to strengthen economic and cultural exchanges between the two regions.
“It is crucial that we work together on our shared priorities and deepen our cooperation on border management, the fight against migrant smuggling, and on visas,” she remarked.
This development highlights a renewed focus on resolving long-standing mobility challenges while fostering mutual economic and cultural ties. Turkey and the EU’s visa liberalization talks have been going on since 2013. However, the EU has yet to decide on the matter, given certain political concerns. Another country that is also pushing for visa liberalization is Armenia.
Visa issuance concerns
The discussion also comes at a time when Turkish nationals have expressed frustration over their Schengen visa application. Despite progress, significant challenges remain. For instance, Turkish travelers often perceive the visa process as unequal and burdensome compared to other nations.
Visa cooperation has been a sensitive topic in EU-Turkey relations for years. Turkish nationals frequently face complex and costly procedures to obtain Schengen visas, raising concerns about fairness. In September 2024, the German Embassy assured that increased EU border controls would not impact visa issuance to Turkish applicants.
Greece’s visa-on-arrival scheme for Turkish visitors serves as a promising example of practical collaboration. As of November 2024, Greece had issued over 100,000 visas on arrival, highlighting the potential for tailored solutions. Moreover, 400,000 Turkish tourists had passed through Greek Islands during the summer months.
Such initiatives can be considered trust-building measures that could pave the way for deeper visa liberalization talks.
“Greece and Turkey, we are not just neighbors. We are partners, especially in the shipping sector,” said Greek Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Christos Styliandis. “The two countries are also traditional partners in the International Maritime Organization (IMO), where we have developed a close and productive cooperation. And we have supported each other on various occasions.”
Impact of EU membership
Nonetheless, the discussions also present opportunities for both sides. Enhanced visa cooperation could boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties, benefiting economies and strengthening diplomatic bonds. Turkey’s unique position as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East underscores its strategic value in these talks.
President Erdogan has stressed that Turkey’s attaining EU membership remains a strategic objective for the country.
“It is clear that our membership will make significant contributions to both the union and our country,” he noted. “Recent events have further strengthened Turkey’s position as a key country.”
Improved visa cooperation carries significant geopolitical and economic implications. A smoother process could enhance Turkey’s role as a key partner in Europe’s regional strategy.
Photo by Tarik Haiga on Unsplash
