[ad_1]
Natalie Tocchi is not just any person. All his studies (postgraduate and doctoral) are related to Turkey and Cyprus, when in reality it is about the “foreign policy” of the European Union long before the current High Representative, Josep Borrell, realizes the importance of his Market Stall. Impressively, Tocchi, Federica Mogherini’s advisor from 2015 until the end of her term, a few months after Borrell’s promotion to the same position (after a series of “slip-ups” that led to the Catalan, although opposed to Spain’s autonomy – politically ), he recovered quickly.
In practice, Toci knows much more than his boss, Josep Borrell, but beyond that, he understands very well the delicate balances of the Eastern Mediterranean. Otherwise, it is difficult to understand why he was proposed by the Italian Ministry of Economy to occupy the position of non-executive vice president in the hydrocarbon exploitation company EMI, in which he was finally appointed last May. Toci is not only appointed to the EMI, but also holds board positions for various think tanks in Brussels. Long before, despite his young age, he had done extensive research in Greece, Cyprus and Turkey and was a member of what is also known as Ahtisaari Commission, which has often criticized the EU for its “slow” progress in finalizing its relationship with Turkey.
In addition to his interest in research, Tocchi, a member of the most respected foreign policy expert group of the Italian Instituto di Affari Internazionali (IAI), has published on various renowned research websites and international media, his very clear view that the EU must do everything possible to maintain close contact with Turkey.
Just a few weeks ago, through Politico, he had proposed the immediate use of the customs union as a “carrot” for Turkey, provoking even in Greece discussions about whether it is a “leak” that shows the way forward for tactics Brussels vs. Ankara (here).
Toci, in general, believes that Europe should negotiate with Turkey without underestimating it. Many criticize it, recalling the Mogherini period, which often pushed Italian interests to the top of the Mediterranean agenda, a fact at least contrary to Greek perception in the region. Whatever Toci’s motives may have been after the unfortunate, indirect but clear acceptance that Turkey is “right” in its demands in the Eastern Mediterranean (here), the Commission’s External Action Committee may need to reconsider whether the advisers have the right to speak publicly on hot topics related to the security of the Member States of the Union. And if they forget, it is good that the Greek foreign minister reminds them.
[ad_2]
