"Europe Turns a Blind Eye to Erdogan's Crackdown Because It Needs Turkey" by Yaroslav Trofimov, Wall Street Journal
While some European nations, most notably France, have expressed "deep concern" over İmamoğlu's detention, the criticism is relatively muted—and didn't link Turkey's domestic politics to expanding security cooperation.
European nations simply don't have the luxury of focusing too closely on Turkey's situation at home, with an existential threat from Russia and an increasingly hostile Washington, said Nico Lange, a former senior German defense official and a senior fellow at the Munich Security Conference.
The pattern dates back to the 2015 deal between the EU and Turkey, when Brussels granted billions of dollars in aid to Ankara in exchange for stemming the flow of Syrian and other refugees, said Gönül Tol, director of the Turkey program at the Middle East Institute in Washington. "The EU is turning a blind eye to whatever Erdoğan is doing, for geopolitical reasons," she said. "They will continue to cultivate closer defense ties with him."
"The only viable solution: an independent Syria, not a Turkish protectorate" by Gallia Lindenstrauss, Atlantic Council
Ankara has two contrasting visions for this new Syria. One envisions a stabilized and independent (albeit militarily weak) country, while the other envisions a Syria that would function as a Turkish protectorate state.
Both visions share the need for a reunified Syria with a centralized regime, but they differ substantially in the means to, and motives for, that end. However, one of these options—the vision of Syria as a forward base for Turkey—brings with it a particularly enhanced risk of regional concerns and inter-state instability. At this fragile moment, all actors now involved in negotiations with Damascus over reconstruction would be wise to push for a more independent Syria.
Syrian people, after all their suffering during the civil war, deserve a secure environment to rebuild. Giving Syria to Turkey will harm such a prospect.
"Turkey's Ambivalence Is a Threat to European Security" by Marc Pierini and Francesco Siccardi, Carnegie Europe
Europe's foundational values have traditionally been at the core of the EU's power of attraction, and it is striking that they are simultaneously under attack from Washington, Moscow, and Ankara.
The deterioration of Turkey's rule of law is hardly new. For over a decade, the Turkish government has systematically dismantled the system of checks and balances that regulated the country's democratic institutions.
Europeans are used to Ankara's foreign policy ambiguities. But in designing a new system of alliances to protect a future ceasefire deal in Ukraine and contain Russia's expansionism in such critical times, they have to carefully balance Turkey's assets and liabilities.
Accepting Turkey into the coalition of the willing because of its weapons supplies while ignoring the dramatic degradation of its rule of law would give a free pass to Moscow's and Washington's aggressive stances. That would allow Turkey's leadership to score a success for its style of governance and, ultimately, hurt Europe's values and principles.
Ozgur Ozel Re-Elected as CHP Chairman in Extraordinary Congress
The Republican People's Party (CHP) held its 21st Extraordinary Congress in Ankara following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The party convened amid concerns that a government-appointed trustee could replace Chairman Ozgur Ozel due to allegations surrounding the congress in which he was elected.
A symbolic seat was left empty next to CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel in honour of Imamoglu, currently being held in Marmara Prison in Silivri.
At the congress, where General Chairman Ozgur Ozel ran for re-election, Antalya Muratpasa Mayor Umit Uysal and former MP Berhan Simsek declared their candidacies. However, Uysal withdrew just one hour after the congress began. Simsek's candidacy was rejected as he submitted the required 97 signatures five minutes past the deadline.
Frustrated by the rejection, Simsek confronted Ozel during the congress. He approached the chairman in the convention hall and expressed his dissatisfaction with animated gestures while Ozel attempted to calm him down.
Following Ozel's speech, the Board of Directors confirmed that he was the sole candidate for the chairmanship. The Board also read a message from Imamoglu addressed to the party members.
According to preliminary results, 1,276 of 1,323 delegates cast their votes. Of these, 1,171 were valid, and 105 were invalid. Ozgur Ozel was re-elected as CHP Chairman with all 1,171 valid votes.
Kilicdaroglu Announces He Won't Run in Extraordinary Congress
Former CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu has announced that he will not be a candidate in the party's extraordinary congress. He denied rumours suggesting he would stand for election, stating, "Everyone is nominating me as a candidate, but I am not a candidate..."
When asked about his attendance at the congress, Kilicdaroglu said he would attend if invited.
Devlet Bahceli Appears in Public After Two-Month Absence
Devlet Bahceli, leader of Turkey's far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), made his first public appearance on April 4 after over two months of absence, sparking speculation about his health and political future.
The 76-year-old politician attended a ceremony in Ankara marking the 28th anniversary of Alparslan Turkes' death who was the MHP's founder and long-time leader.
Bahceli had not been seen in public since early February when he was hospitalized and underwent heart surgery.
US Tariff Hits Turkey, but Trade Minister Bolat Sees "Lesser Evil"
A new tariff announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2 will take effect on April 5, applying to all goods imported into the United States, including those from Turkey. The tariff impacts more than 100 countries, with rates as high as 34% for China, 46% for Vietnam, and 49% for Cambodia.
Turkey's Trade Minister Omer Bolat said that while any additional tariff is a burden, Turkey considers its relatively lower rate a "lesser evil" compared to other nations that face higher rates. He emphasized Turkey's strategy to use this new trade framework to increase exports to the US and advocate for broader liberalization through a "win-win" approach.
Bolat also announced plans to attend the Turkish-American Conference in Washington in mid-May, where he will hold talks with the US secretary of commerce and trade representative. One of the key priorities of the talks will be negotiating the removal of the 10% tariff, he said.
EU–Turkey Economic Dialogue Resumes After Five-Year Pause
The EU–Turkey High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) took place in Brussels on April 3, marking the first meeting since 2019. The talks were attended by European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, and Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek.
In a statement after the meeting, the European Commission said the dialogue allowed for a frank exchange of views and included the EU's concerns over recent arrests and detentions of elected officials, civil society members, and journalists in Turkey.
The meeting focused on boosting economic cooperation, structural reforms, macroeconomic outlook, and improving Turkey's investment climate in coordination with European financial institutions.
The next round of talks is scheduled to be held in Turkey in 2026.
Court Blocks Top Business Leaders from Attending EU Talks
Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek invited the heads of Turkey's top business association to a key EU investor meeting in Brussels, but a court-imposed travel ban kept them from attending, according to a special report by Now TV.
Simsek asked for the participation of TUSIAD Chairman Orhan Turan and High Advisory Council Chairman Omer Aras at the Turkey-EU High-Level Economic Dialogue on April 3, an event marking the first such meeting in six years. However, prosecutors denied their travel requests due to ongoing legal restrictions tied to their past criticism of government crackdowns.
Turkey's Inflation Rate Falls to 38.1%
Turkey's annual inflation rate declined for the 10th consecutive month in March, reaching 38.1 percent—the lowest level since December 2021, official data revealed on April 3. Consumer prices rose by 2.46 percent in March compared to February.
The Inflation Research Group (ENAG), an independent team of academics, calculated Turkey's inflation rate at 3.91 percent for March and 75.20 percent annually.
Turkey Raises Electricity and Natural Gas Prices for April
The Turkish government raised electricity and natural gas prices on April 4, impacting households, businesses, and industry.
The Energy Market Regulatory Authority announced a 25% increase in electricity prices for residential users. Rates rose by 15% for public and private service sectors, 10% for industrial users, and 12.4% for agricultural use. After the hike, households using 100 kilowatt-hours monthly will pay 259.04 Turkish lira (about $7).
State energy company BOTAS also raised natural gas prices—by 20% for industrial use and 24.2% for gas used in electricity generation. Residential natural gas prices remained unchanged.
Turkey Ranks 117th in Global Rule of Law Index 2024
Turkey ranked 117th out of 142 countries in the 2024 Rule of Law Index published by the World Justice Project. The Rule of Law Index is based on surveys from over 149,000 people and legal experts in 142 countries, measuring how laws are applied in real life.
Turkey is ranked 15th out of 15 countries in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region. Among upper-middle-income countries, it is positioned 38th out of 41.
Turkey ranked 133rd among 142 countries in the Fundamental Rights category.
The report shows that Turkey continues to score low in key areas such as government accountability, corruption, and protection of rights. It noted that Turkey's score for Fundamental Rights has declined, indicating issues in this area.
Turkish Police Detain 11 Over Boycott Calls Backed by Opposition
On April 3, Turkish authorities issued a detention warrant for 16 people and detained at least 11 people, including actor Cem Yigit Uzumoglu, for allegedly promoting a boycott campaign protesting the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor.
The boycott, dubbed "no-buy day," took place on April 2 and was organized by university students in response to the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The initiative received support from Imamoglu's party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), which had earlier called for a boycott of businesses and media outlets aligned with the government.
Turkey's media watchdog, RTUK, has warned TV broadcasters against supporting the boycott. RTUK head Ebubekir Sahin said stations would face sanctions if they aired content promoting the protest, claiming the campaign aimed to undermine national "values and achievements."
Prosecutors launched an investigation, accusing those involved of inciting hatred and discrimination. Police conducted simultaneous operations across multiple locations, leading to the arrest of Uzumoglu and ten others. Their detentions sparked widespread outrage on social media, with fellow artists and activists demanding their release.
All 11 detainees were later released under judicial supervision.
Government officials criticized the boycott as an attempt to damage the economy. Several ministers posted photos and videos of themselves shopping on April 2 to protest the campaign.
Turkey Detains 73 People in Nationwide Operations Targeting Gulen Movement
Turkish authorities conducted operations across 27 provinces between March 19 and March 27, detaining 73 individuals accused of links to Gulen movement. Many of the detentions took place during sahur, the pre-dawn meal observed during Ramadan.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the results of the operations on April 4 in a statement shared on X. Of those detained, 48 have been formally arrested, while 16 were released under judicial supervision.
Fidan Says Turkey Does Not Want Conflict with Israel in Syria
Turkey does not seek a confrontation with Israel in Syria but repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military sites are weakening the new Turkish government's ability to counter threats, including from Islamic State, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Reuters on April 4.
Speaking during a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, Fidan criticized Israel's actions, saying they were fueling instability in the region. "We don't want any confrontation with Israel in Syria because Syria belongs to the Syrians," he said.
When asked if Turkey's defense cooperation plans with Syria were provoking increased Israeli attacks, Fidan said Ankara is working with regional partners to establish a joint platform with Syria to prevent the resurgence of Islamic State and to address common threats such as the outlawed Kurdish Workers Party (PKK).
Israel Intensifies Strikes in Syria, Accuses Turkey Again
Israel intensified airstrikes in Syria on April 2 and once again accused Turkey of attempting to turn the country into a Turkish protectorate.
The Israeli military said it targeted military infrastructure at air bases in Hama and Homs provinces, as well as sites near Damascus, claiming the strikes aimed to neutralize remaining military capabilities.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the strikes as "a clear message and a warning for the future—we will not allow the security of the State of Israel to be harmed."
At a press conference in Paris, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Ankara of playing a "negative role" in Syria, Lebanon, and beyond. "They are doing their utmost to have Syria as a Turkish protectorate. It's clear that is their intention," he said.
In response, Turkey's Foreign Ministry called Israel "the greatest threat to regional security" and a "strategic destabilizer." The ministry urged Israel to end its expansionist policies, withdraw from occupied territories, and stop undermining efforts to stabilize Syria.
Israel Strikes Syrian Bases to Block Turkish Expansion
Reuters reported that a planned visit by Turkish military teams to Syria's T4 and Palmyra air bases on March 25 was cancelled after Israeli airstrikes hit both sites just hours earlier, according to a regional intelligence official and two Syrian military sources.
The strikes destroyed the runway, control tower, hangars and grounded planes at T4. "It was a strong message that Israel won't tolerate increased Turkish presence," said the intelligence official. Another source close to Turkey said T4 is now "totally unusable."
When asked about the visits, a Turkish defense ministry official dismissed reports not from official sources as unreliable and possibly misleading.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strikes were a warning to protect national security. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Turkey of trying to create a "Turkish protectorate" in Syria.
Turkey Moves to Take Over Tiyas Air Base in Syria
Turkey has begun taking steps to assume control of Syria's Tiyas Air Base, also known as T4, and is preparing to install air defense systems at the site, sources familiar with the matter told Middle East Eye. Construction plans for the base are already underway.
"Once the systems are in place, the base will be rebuilt and expanded with all necessary facilities," one source said. "Ankara also plans to station surveillance and armed drones there, including long-range strike-capable models."
The source emphasized that controlling the base would allow Turkey to establish aerial dominance in the region and strengthen its efforts against Islamic State (IS). Another source noted that deploying Turkish air defense systems and drones could discourage Israel from carrying out airstrikes in the area.
Turkish military teams recently visited several Syrian air bases in preparation for deeper cooperation with Damascus, according to a regional intelligence official, two Syrian military sources and another source familiar with the matter also told Reuters.
The teams assessed runways, hangars, and infrastructure at the T4 and Palmyra air bases in Homs province and the main airport in Hama province. The sources, who requested anonymity, said the visits had not been reported before.
EU Cancels Official Meetings with Turkey in a Joint Warning
The European Union's three main institutions—the European Council, the European Commission, and the European Parliament—have cancelled their planned official meetings with Turkey in Ankara and Antalya. For the first time in EU history, these institutions have jointly suspended relations as a warning to Turkey.
During a European Parliament session, Emmanouil Kefalogiannis, Co-President of the Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Committee, announced the cancellation of the committee meeting scheduled for April 14-15. Meanwhile, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said she would not attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum or meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Speaking in Strasbourg, Kos warned that any actions undermining democratic values could harm Turkey-EU relations. She said Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest raises serious concerns and called on Ankara to refrain from interfering with peaceful protests.
Von der Leyen: Reopening Armenia-Turkey-Azerbaijan Borders Would Be a Game Changer
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said reopening borders between Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan after decades of closure would be a "game changer" for regional connectivity.
Speaking at the first EU–Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, she highlighted the strategic potential of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which aims to cut travel time between Europe and Central Asia by half.
"Smooth border crossing within Central Asian and South Caucasus countries is also essential to reach the Black Sea," she said. "After three decades of closure, the opening of the borders of Armenia with Turkey and Azerbaijan will be a game changer."
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