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Recently, tensions between Germany and Turkey have risen, as sanctions against the neighboring country are being considered. In fact, the closer we get to the European Council Summit, the more likely there will be many public and behind-the-scenes contacts between the two countries.
The truth is that the situation in Euro-Turkish relations has not improved at all compared to the previous time when the “27” addressed the issue.
At the same time, Ankara continues its criminal behavior in the Eastern Mediterranean with the investigations of “Oruc Reis”, while also proceeding to open Varosia in Cyprus.
For her part, Chancellor Merkel described what is happening in the Mediterranean on the Turkish side as “aggressive” and “provocative”.
However, he knows (perhaps better than anyone) that no matter how much he characterizes him, “Erdogan’s ear does not sweat.” And the reasons are more than one.
Furthermore, the multifaceted nature of German-Turkish relations, which does not allow Berlin to take a similar stance to Paris, explains why, following Merkel’s explicit reference to Erdogan’s practice in the eastern Mediterranean, the Turkish president insists in Greece and France.
Perhaps because he knows that the Turkish-German ties are so strong and reciprocal that Merkel’s threats will remain only in words.
Turkish president
AP
The German bourgeoisie has always had strong political and economic ties with its Turkish counterpart. It is Turkey’s most important partner and has large investments in key sectors of the Turkish economy, such as industry and tourism.
Turkey’s major weapons programs bear the seal of the German state. German tanks have been used in invasions by Turkish troops in neighboring countries, as well as in occupied Cyprus.
Turkey is not limited to the arms market but also has contracts with German companies for co-productions and a know-how market with which it develops its own weapons.
The interests of the German monopolies also determine the government’s decisions vis-à-vis Turkey. For this reason, with its interventions, with the support of other large European states, it seeks to avoid the imposition of EU sanctions against Turkey.
When the numbers speak …
This attitude of Germany has its explanation and the numbers show it. According to the German Finance Ministry, Turkey ranks first in German arms imports.
Exports of arms and military equipment from Germany to Turkey in the first 8 months of 2019 amounted to more than 250 million euros, the highest annual amount since 2005.
Also, joint construction of 6 Type 214 submarines is underway. These submarines, which are expected to be ready by 2027, are absolutely necessary for the Turkish Navy.
According to dailysabah.com in 2018, German exports of military equipment to Turkey amounted to 242.8 million euros, which represents almost a third of the turnover of the German industry. Thus, Turkey’s cynical response that the decision of the EU Foreign Ministers “will have minimal results” leaves no impression.
Not only that, but speaking recently in the German Parliament, Chancellor Merkel recognized “Turkey’s security interests” on the Syrian border, and expressed the belief that “these can only be achieved through diplomatic channels.”
Therefore, it is clear that Turkey is in open negotiations with the EU, whose member states, as a whole and individually, hold strong interests in the region and form their position on that basis.
The influence of the Turks in Germany
At the same time, we must not forget that today there are more than 3 million citizens of Turkish descent living in Germany and the influence that Ankara has over them is a factor that cannot be ignored and that often worries Berlin.
There are 80,000 Turkish-German companies on German soil, employing more than 500,000 people in 50 different industries and with an annual turnover of 52 billion euros, according to the dailysabah.com.
German exports to Turkey total $ 22 billion, according to the United Nations’ COMTRADE international trade database.
Characteristic of the above is that in the first months of 2020, Germany was the first country in the world to absorb most of Turkey’s exports.
And all this in the middle of a pandemic.
Gambling in the Eastern Mediterranean
Germany believes that France is trying to become the dominant European power in the Mediterranean. It should be noted that Berlin condemned any initiative that did not start with German blessings. Let’s not forget that Germany lacks a great coastline, but also natural resources.
Control of the Mediterranean is therefore a key priority for Germany. In other words, it is trying to intervene in events in the eastern Mediterranean through the well-known “peaceful initiatives”.
The Oruc Reis
AP
Against this background, it took the failed initiative from Libya in early 2020. In all this planning, Turkey is the actor with whom it can cooperate.
Furthermore, Erdogan, driven by his relationship with Merkel, believes that he will have a “green light” to do whatever he wants with Greece. Merkel, however, cannot help but defend the legitimacy and Greece in the EU.
Germany has long been trying to balance two ships: one is European solidarity but one that will keep alive and the single market from which Germany benefits greatly and the other is the excellent trade relations that Europe’s largest economy has with Turkey.
According to dw.com, Merkel, in turn, accepts Erdogan for who he is, without going blind to everything that is happening in Turkey.
His relationship with Erdogan is neutral or at least tries to be. Learn about the geostrategic importance of Turkey, not only in terms of refugees, but also as the country of the most important turbulent region in the world in recent years.
This also turned out to be the case in the Nagorno-Karabakh case.
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