{"id":6764,"date":"2024-12-17T12:58:56","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T09:58:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harici.com.tr\/en\/?p=6764"},"modified":"2025-05-26T14:33:11","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T11:33:11","slug":"turkiyes-moment-in-europes-eyes-von-der-leyens-high-stakes-visit-amid-syrias-turmoil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/harici.com.tr\/en\/turkiyes-moment-in-europes-eyes-von-der-leyens-high-stakes-visit-amid-syrias-turmoil\/","title":{"rendered":"T\u00fcrkiye’s Moment in Europe\u2019s Eyes: Von der Leyen\u2019s High-Stakes Visit Amid Syria\u2019s Turmoil"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ahmetcan Uzla\u015f\u0131k, Brussels<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Brussels, Dec 16, 2024<\/strong> \u2013 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen\u2019s upcoming visit on December 17 to T\u00fcrkiye comes at a pivotal moment for Syria, a country emerging from the long shadow of Bashar al-Assad\u2019s regime. As Syria faces unprecedented political shifts, von der Leyen\u2019s discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan will not only address the immediate humanitarian crisis but also shape the future of EU-T\u00fcrkiye cooperation in the region.<\/p>\n

Ahmetcan Uzla\u015f\u0131k<\/strong><\/p>\n

The fall of Assad\u2019s regime has raised hopes for a new era in Syria, yet the transition brings both risks and uncertainties. Ursula von der Leyen, in a statement ahead of her visit, emphasized the importance of continued EU support for Syria’s people, saying, “The collapse of the Assad regime offers new hope for the Syrian people. But this moment of change also carries risks and brings hardship. With the situation on the ground so volatile, our help to the people of Syria is ever more important.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Von der Leyen: “We Are Committed to Providing Essential Aid”<\/strong><\/p>\n

The European Union has swiftly mobilized to address the urgent needs of those affected by the ongoing conflict and political upheaval in Syria. The Commission announced the launch of a new Humanitarian Air Bridge operation, delivering 50 tonnes of health supplies to T\u00fcrkiye from its stockpiles in Dubai. These supplies will then be transported to northern Syria to alleviate the mounting health crisis. Additionally, 46 tonnes of shelter and education materials will be delivered, with EU funding now reaching \u20ac163 million in total humanitarian aid for 2024.<\/p>\n

“We are committed to providing essential aid, including trauma kits, medical supplies, and food parcels to over 60,000 Syrians in the north,”<\/em> said von der Leyen on December 13. The EU’s expanded humanitarian efforts reflect the urgency of the situation. However, despite the scale of this intervention, questions remain about the long-term effectiveness of these efforts, as many sanctions on Syria are ongoing.<\/p>\n

\u201cT\u00fcrkiye will be a primus inter pares partner in dealing with Syria for the EU\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Von der Leyen\u2019s visit comes at a time when T\u00fcrkiye, a candidate country of the EU, increased its geopolitical importance in the region. Having long supported opposition forces against Assad, T\u00fcrkiye is now portrayed in the West as one of the winners of the Syrian civil war.<\/p>\n

T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s role in hosting over 4 million Syrian refugees has made it one of the most directly affected nations by the conflict, while it made Ankara important as an gate-keeper of migration before the eyes of European politicians. As von der Leyen prepares for her meeting with Erdo\u011fan, the focus will likely be on reinforcing EU-T\u00fcrkiye cooperation to manage the refugee crisis, protection of the minorities in Syria and prevent further instability that might cause another domestic conflict.<\/p>\n

“We must work together to ensure that Syria’s territorial integrity is preserved and that the rights of all its people, especially minorities, are protected,”<\/em> von der Leyen stated on 13th December.<\/p>\n

Sophie Desmidt, Associate Director at ECDPM, emphasized that T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s role is central to the EU\u2019s strategy. She noted that “T\u00fcrkiye will be a primus inter pares partner in dealing with Syria for the EU, and von der Leyen will underline this during her visit.”<\/em> Desmidt also highlighted the likelihood of T\u00fcrkiye leveraging its position for additional EU support, especially given its pivotal role during the migration crisis. She added, \u201cUS leadership is in lame duck mode until Trump takes office, and whether he will be a spoiler or a power broker remains to be seen. I think Erdogan is keen to assert his leadership, over Iran, which plays in the EU\u2019s cards\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n

Kaja Kallas: The challenge of EU\u2019s new face in diplomacy<\/strong><\/p>\n

The former Estonian Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, came to the office on December 1, as the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.<\/p>\n

Recent statements from Kaja Kallas, the EU\u2019s new High Representative for Foreign Affairs, add another layer of context to von der Leyen\u2019s visit. Kallas has underscored the EU\u2019s commitment to ensuring stability in the region, an issue of particular importance in light of Syria’s ongoing instability. On December 8, she tweeted, \u201cOur priority is to ensure security in the region. I will work with all the constructive partners, in Syria and in the region.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

On December 14, Kallas emphasized the EU\u2019s support for Syria\u2019s political transition, stating, \u201cSyria faces a hopeful but uncertain future. That\u2019s why we all agreed in Aqaba on important principles: stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity, but also respect for minorities, institution build-up and unity of government that includes all the groups in Syria.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Before going into her first Foreign Affairs Council Meeting, on December 16, Kallas announced that she had appointed \u201cA European top diplomat\u201d <\/strong>to go to Damascus and make contact with the new government and people there.<\/p>\n

Kallas also stated that the bloc could ease sanctions on Syria if its new leadership forms an inclusive government and respects women’s and minority rights. She also noted that many EU foreign ministers urged Syria to eliminate Russian influence, including military bases, after the Foreign Affairs Council meeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cEU leadership wants decreased migration pressure\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Desmidt answered what might be the possible effects of the political crisis in Germany and France in the context of a leadership problem. “This will be a challenge for the time being, but pending the outcome of the German elections, things could move relatively fast. My sense is that EU leadership across the board, including the Commission, Parliament, and EU heads of state and government, and their domestic constituencies are by and large on the same page when it comes to the outcome they want to see as a result of support to Syria: decreased migration pressure on the EU.” <\/em><\/p>\n

She added that there are other players who will contribute ideally to a joint EU action, such as Ant\u00f3nio Costa, the new Council President, who will have the task of mobilizing member states around a common position, and Dubravka \u0160uica, the new Commissioner for the Mediterranean. Kaja Kallas, Desmidt noted, will have to demonstrate that this is a priority for her, as her profile has been strong in Ukraine and Russia. “She already took action over the weekend, traveling to Jordan to speak to representatives from the U.S., T\u00fcrkiye, and Arab states,” <\/em>she pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cPolitics will ultimately trump moral frameworks\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Desmidt reinforced this view, warning against premature disengagement. “The EU has, on many occasions, been criticized for relinquishing in practice its emphasis on human rights and democracy and has been seen by many partners outside the EU as operating on double standards\u2014being hard-line on some regimes but more lenient towards others, especially when interests are at play.”<\/em><\/p>\n

She noted that “Politics will ultimately trump moral frameworks, but the EU should be clear on its position and interests. Closing the door to engagement with Syria\u2019s transitional government now would also close the space for the EU to act constructively and effectively.” She drew parallels to Afghanistan, where the EU adopted a principled yet pragmatic approach to engagement with the leadership to support the people.<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking forward, the EU faces a delicate balancing act. The potential return of Syrian refugees, combined with the need for reconstruction, will test the EU\u2019s commitment to the region. The European Commission has already pledged to continue funding the rebuilding of Syria\u2019s infrastructure, but as von der Leyen acknowledged, this will require the cooperation of all regional players, including T\u00fcrkiye.<\/em><\/p>\n

“The reconstruction of Syria will require significant resources, and the EU is ready to play its part,” said von der Leyen. “But it is essential that we work together with our regional partners to ensure that the political transition is inclusive and sustainable.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Desmidt noted that budget constraints and the rise of far-right parties in Europe might further complicate these efforts. “The EU won\u2019t shoulder the cost of reconstruction alone. Partners in the region, such as the Gulf states, will need to step up. Ideally EU\u2019s role should focus on coordinating and supporting a regionally owned process, that prioritises respectful and innovative domestic and foreign policy solutions that pave the way for Syria’s long-term reconstruction” she concluded. <\/em><\/p>\n

Desmidt also outlined potential avenues for support, such as international donor conferences, joint reconstruction funds with the World Bank and Asian and Islamic Development Banks, and a regional peace process and plan. She also suggested the possibility of an EU Envoy for Syria. She concluded, “I fear that other conflict zones, besides the Middle East and Ukraine, will suffer from a reallocation of interests and funds, notably Africa, as the return of migrants and easing migration pressure on the EU is higher up the political priority list than, for example, Sudan or the Sahel at the moment.”<\/em><\/p>\n

“With the new configuration in Syria, T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s Importance Has Undoubtedly Grown in Europe”<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Kadri Ta\u015ftan, a non-resident senior fellow in Brussels, gave a T\u00fcrkiye perspective by highlighting T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s strategic position in light of Syria’s transformation.<\/p>\n

\u201cT\u00fcrkiye’s importance has undoubtedly grown in the eyes of Europe,\u201d<\/em> he said, pointing to Ankara\u2019s consistent support for Syrian opposition groups even during times when the fall of Bashar al-Assad\u2019s regime seemed improbable. According to Dr. Ta\u015ftan, this steadfast backing has placed T\u00fcrkiye in a particularly advantageous position as Syria undergoes a significant transition.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the short term, T\u00fcrkiye is the most effective and profitable country in this new configuration, especially considering its longstanding relationships with the opposition forces,\u201d <\/em>he explained.<\/p>\n

Security and Migration are the cornerstones of EU-T\u00fcrkiye Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n

When asked about potential areas of collaboration between the EU and T\u00fcrkiye , Dr. Ta\u015ftan identified two primary points of focus: security and migration.<\/p>\n

\u201cCooperation between the EU and T\u00fcrkiye will center on security\u2014specifically combating terrorism\u2014and migration,\u201d<\/em> he said. While these two areas present clear opportunities for joint efforts, Dr. Ta\u015ftan expressed skepticism regarding Europe\u2019s ability to contribute significantly to Syria\u2019s reconstruction.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think Europeans can provide substantial support for reconstruction. The political environment in Europe is not conducive to this,\u201d<\/em> he noted, citing the ongoing challenges faced by the EU\u2019s leading nations. \u201cThe two locomotive countries of Europe are facing significant political instability, and the rise of populist movements makes large-scale commitments difficult.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Dr. Ta\u015ftan also emphasized that migration and refugee return programs could become a cornerstone of EU-T\u00fcrkiye cooperation. He suggested that the EU might utilize civil society organizations to fund and implement these programs through T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe EU can finance these initiatives through T\u00fcrkiye, using entities like civil society organizations to ensure the effective management of migration and the safe return of refugees,\u201d<\/em> he added.<\/p>\n

Last Visit Sparked Controversy Over Seating Arrangement<\/strong><\/p>\n

As European Commission President prepares for her upcoming visit to T\u00fcrkiye, memories of the infamous “sofagate” incident still linger. During her 2021 visit, von der Leyen was left without a chair in a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan and EU Council President Charles Michel, sparking global criticism and allegations of sexism.<\/p>\n

The Two last saw each other during the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Budapest, which took place in early November 2024.<\/p>\n

As Ursula von der Leyen heads to Ankara, the stakes are high for both the EU and T\u00fcrkiye in navigating Syria’s fragile transition. The visit represents a critical moment to redefine EU-T\u00fcrkiye relations, balancing humanitarian aid, migration cooperation, and geopolitical strategy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ahmetcan Uzla\u015f\u0131k, Brussels Brussels, Dec 16, 2024 \u2013 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen\u2019s upcoming visit on December 17 to T\u00fcrkiye comes at a pivotal moment for Syria, a country emerging from the long shadow of Bashar al-Assad\u2019s regime. As Syria faces unprecedented political shifts, von der Leyen\u2019s discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":6765,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[175],"tags":[2518,2008,503,1448,531,409,2011],"class_list":["post-6764","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diplomacy","tag-european-commission","tag-european-union-eu","tag-headline","tag-recep-tayyip-erdogan","tag-syria","tag-turkiye","tag-ursula-von-der-leyen"],"yoast_head":"\nT\u00fcrkiye's Moment in Europe\u2019s Eyes: Von der Leyen\u2019s High-Stakes Visit Amid Syria\u2019s Turmoil - Harici<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/harici.com.tr\/en\/turkiyes-moment-in-europes-eyes-von-der-leyens-high-stakes-visit-amid-syrias-turmoil\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"T\u00fcrkiye's Moment in Europe\u2019s Eyes: Von der Leyen\u2019s High-Stakes Visit Amid Syria\u2019s Turmoil - Harici\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Ahmetcan Uzla\u015f\u0131k, Brussels Brussels, Dec 16, 2024 \u2013 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen\u2019s upcoming visit on December 17 to T\u00fcrkiye comes at a pivotal moment for Syria, a country emerging from the long shadow of Bashar al-Assad\u2019s regime. 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