EU heads go to Turkey to check water on fixing damaged ties

The EU’s two prime officers are on account of meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday on a uncommon go to geared toward reviving battered ties.
Brussels is predicted to supply incentives in the direction of establishing a roadmap to cooperation as agreed by EU leaders final month.

What are the talks more likely to cowl?
European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen have been anticipated to supply key financial and diplomatic incentives to Ankara.
The advantages on provide for Turkey might embrace the modernizing of a customs union and the liberalization of visa guidelines.
A resumption of high-level dialogues on points equivalent to safety and well being can also be more likely to be on the playing cards.
Brussels is predicted to supply extra funding for Turkey’s internet hosting of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees.

The roadmap for improved cooperation would rely upon Erdogan appearing to de-escalate tensions with neighboring Greece and Cyprus.
Issues might embrace Turkey’s fuel exploration mission within the jap Mediterranean and future talks concerning the divided island of Cyprus.
Why are the talks being held now?
The 27-member bloc has been inspired by conciliatory strikes from Turkey in current months.
These embrace the resumption of talks with Greece over a disputed maritime border and engagement on UN peace efforts with EU member state Cyprus.
EU international coverage chief Josep Borrell mentioned the most recent provide from the bloc “could be a new chapter in EU-Turkey relations” after relations hit a low level final 12 months.
“The situation remains fragile, but the EU welcomes these forthcoming developments and gestures on the part of Turkey and has responded by extending its hand,” he mentioned.
Erdogan met the 2 EU leaders in Brussels final month, the place they expressed a dedication to preserving the 2016 refugee deal between the EU and Turkey.
How eager are either side to make progress?
For Turkey, the potential thaw in relations coincides with home financial troubles — and a harder line from Washington after Erdogan’s ally Donald Trump was voted out of the White House.
EU members have been divided on learn how to proceed with Turkey. Cyprus, Greece, and France are urging a tricky line whereas others, led by Germany, need extra engagement.
An EU official instructed the AFP information company that the assembly in Ankara would “not be the moment for negotiations, but will provide a framework” on progress. Any steps forwards would must be “phased, proportionate, and reversible.”
“If Erdogan does not show himself to be cooperative then everything will be blocked,” the official instructed AFP.
The EU has warned that sanctions are an possibility if Turkey restarts “illegal” vitality exploration within the jap Mediterranean.