Crisis and Decline in Southern Europe: Implications for Turkey

Summary:

The twists and turns of the economic and political crisis in southern Europe are now an important parameter for relations between Europe and Turkey. This crisis and the way it is being managed are detrimental to Turkey's economic interests and tarnish the image of European integration in the eyes of Turkey's leaders and its general public. Moreover, the economic and political decline of allies such as Italy and Spain weakens the argument of supporters of a renewed accession effort. The situation in the eastern Mediterranean is particularly delicate because of the mixed effects of the crisis on Greco-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue. As a result, there is a wide range of different scenarios for the future.

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