| Abstract: |
Thirty years after establishing a customs union with the European Union (EU),
Ankara sees growing economic risks in the EU's free trade agreements with
third countries, most recently India. While negotiations on the EU-India Free
Trade Agreement were concluded at the end of January, and security cooperation
between the EU and India is now also to be expanded, Ankara remains on the
sidelines. From Turkey's perspective, the agreement could also weaken its
significance in the EU's strategic calculus. Ankara is therefore making a
strong case for the modernisation of the customs union. It cannot be ruled out
that the structural asymmetries of the customs union will become even more
entrenched to Turkey's detriment: Market integration without political
participation may place Turkey at a lasting disadvantage and strain its
relations with the EU. Once the free trade agreement enters into force, Indian
products will gain easier access to the Turkish market, whereas Turkish
products will not gain corresponding access to India. Due to geopolitical
differences with India, Turkey also sees risks to its own regional interests.
Brussels and Berlin could use this constellation to put cooperation with
Ankara on a viable institutional footing. |
| Keywords: |
customs union, free trade agreements, geoeconomic rivalry, European Union (EU), Turkey, India, market integration, political participation |