Turkish
Italian
Spanish
Portuguese
Romanian
Albanian
Lithuanian
Latvian
Bulgarian
Greek
Hungarian
French
Croatian
Czech
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul, a move that has reignited discussions on the complex relationship between Germany and Turkey, particularly in the realms of defense, migration, and regional conflicts.
Surge in Defense Cooperation
The meeting between Scholz and Erdoğan has marked a significant shift in German-Turkish relations with Germany approving extensive arms exports to Turkey. The exports include 69 authorizations valued at €103 million as of mid-October 2024, a stark contrast to the more restrained approach following the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey and its subsequent military actions in Syria.
Among the key items under negotiation are 40 Eurofighter jets, part of a broader push by Turkey to modernize its military capabilities. These jets are co-produced by Germany, requiring Berlin’s green light for the sale. Additional defense items discussed include anti-aircraft missiles, torpedoes, and upgrades for Turkish submarines and frigates, with approvals recently granted by Germany’s secretive Federal Security Council.
Contentious Migration Policies
The talks also covered migration—a critical issue for both nations—with Scholz reaffirming commitments to expedite the deportation of migrants without residence permits. As of late September, there were over 15,000 Turkish nationals in Germany eligible for deportation, highlighting the ongoing challenges in migration management between the two countries. Discussions also touched on the broader EU-Turkey migration deal of 2016, which aimed to curb irregular migration flows into Europe, a pact Turkey feels Europe has failed to honor fully.
Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Challenges
The backdrop of these discussions includes the broader conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing violence in Gaza. Erdoğan’s characterization of Israel as a “terrorist state” and his support for Hamas as a “liberation organization” starkly contrasts with Germany’s position, which remains firmly supportive of Israel. These differences have exposed deeper rifts in German-Turkish relations, especially given Germany’s recent cessation of arms exports to Israel, aligning with its calls for a ceasefire in the region.
The renewal of defense ties and contentious migration talks between Germany and Turkey signify a complex phase in their bilateral relations, reflecting broader regional and global security challenges. As Germany and Turkey navigate these turbulent waters, the outcomes of these negotiations will likely influence European security policies and the NATO alliance’s dynamics. The deepening defense cooperation, juxtaposed with sharp disagreements over regional politics and migration, underscores the delicate balancing act facing both nations in an increasingly multipolar world order.
