Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s upcoming visit to Turkey, set for Thursday in Ankara, is expected to center on delicate discussions regarding migration and the increasingly complex relationship between Berlin and Ankara. While German government sources emphasize a desire for closer cooperation with Turkey on migration management, the reality is far more nuanced, particularly given Turkey’s position as the leading origin country for individuals subject to deportation from Germany.
The planned discussions about returns are being framed as a continuation of nascent progress made in recent months, with an explicit intention to move beyond preliminary steps toward more concrete implementation. However, critics within Germany question the practicality and ethical implications of relying on Turkey for the repatriation of a significant number of individuals, citing concerns over human rights and due process within the Turkish legal system. The German government’s willingness to deepen cooperation despite these concerns suggests a prioritization of perceived political expediency over fundamental principles.
Beyond migration, Chancellor Merz’s trip will also address the broader EU-Turkey relationship. Despite the prolonged stagnation of accession negotiations, Berlin continues to formally designate Turkey as a strategically vital partner and accession candidate – a designation increasingly viewed with skepticism by other EU member states. This diplomatic tightrope walk highlights Germany’s commitment to maintaining engagement with Turkey, regardless of democratic backsliding.
Furthermore, echoing Berlin’s stated desire for enhanced NATO cooperation, Germany is advocating for Turkey’s greater integration, including the potential transfer of Eurofighter jets. This move, while intended to bolster collective defense, is being scrutinized as a potential appeasement of Ankara, particularly given Turkey’s often divergent foreign policy objectives.
The visit underscores the precariousness of German-Turkish relations, balancing the need for strategic partnership with growing anxieties about Ankara’s trajectory and its impact on both domestic and international stability.
