**Fidan Again Blames Cyprus for EU-Turkey Customs Union Deadlock**
In a recent interview, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated his stance that the Greek Cypriot administration is obstructing the modernization of the EU-Turkey Customs Union. This marks the second time this week that Fidan has pointed to Nicosia's position as a barrier to progress in Turkey's relations with the European Union.
Speaking to CNN Turk, Fidan highlighted a recent visit by a high-level European Union delegation to Ankara, which included three commissioners. He noted that the delegation engaged in discussions with Turkish ministers and was also received by President Tayyip Erdogan. Fidan emphasized the importance of these meetings, stating that it was crucial for the European officials to understand Turkey's perspective on its relationship with the EU.
"The Customs Union must certainly be modernized, upgraded, and updated. On this issue, both sides agree," Fidan said, acknowledging a mutual desire for progress. However, he attributed the stagnation in negotiations to the Greek Cypriot side's stance, which he described as problematic. "There is an issue causing a blockage: the position taken by the Greek Cypriot side. They are facing problematic areas as to how they will overcome this," he explained.
Fidan expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of EU-Turkey relations, noting that neither Turkey nor European institutions are pleased with the ongoing stagnation. He pointed out that while there has been a limited revival in relations, as evidenced by the frequent visits of European commissioners to Ankara, more substantial and strategic outcomes will require changes in the EU's decision-making processes.
"In Turkey, there is no problem of intention or political will," Fidan stated, urging the EU to address its internal decision-making challenges, particularly those requiring unanimity among member states.
Earlier in the week, during a joint press conference with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev, Fidan again addressed the Cyprus issue and its impact on Turkey-EU relations. He reiterated that the Greek Cypriot administration's position is hindering progress.
In addition to discussing the Customs Union, Fidan also touched on Turkey's ongoing request for visa liberalization for its citizens. He acknowledged that Turkey still needs to fulfill "five or six" steps, some of which involve legislative action in the Turkish parliament. He mentioned that there are issues related to the EU's acquis communautaire, and a platform coordinated by Mr. Cevdet is in place to facilitate this process.
While Fidan recognized that Turkey has obligations to meet, he argued that the EU should enhance the handling of visa applications from Turkish citizens until full visa liberalization is achieved. He claimed that European officials have made significant improvements to the visa process, although he conceded that the reality for Turkish citizens does not align with the EU's portrayal.
Fidan noted that rising income levels and increased international contacts in Turkey have led to a higher demand for travel to Europe for various purposes, including education, trade, employment, tourism, and cultural exchanges. However, he expressed concern that the visa policies of European countries are becoming more centralized and bureaucratic, complicating the process for Turkish travelers.
As discussions continue regarding the EU-Turkey Customs Union and visa liberalization, the relationship between Turkey and the European Union remains a focal point of diplomatic dialogue, with both sides expressing a desire for progress amid ongoing challenges.