Europe is still struggling to find some ways to mitigate its refugee crisis – mitigate because finding a comprehensive solution, which should be its actual objective, is something remote in the prevailing situation due to the enormity of the crisis. What the continent is facing is not a crisis, but a catastrophe which shows no signs of abating.
One of the countries whose cooperation is crucial in this regard is Turkey. As a neighbour to Syria, Turkey has borne the brunt of the crisis and the government in Ankara has performed its role well within its resources and capabilities. The European Union has recognised this seminal role of Turkey and both have been coordinating with each other for an effective solution to the crisis. The talks being held between both sides is a continuation of this coordination.
Turkey has now increased its demands for carrying out its responsibilities in the refugee crisis. The country’s prime minister made a new proposal at a summit in Brussels yesterday under which it wants an extra three billion euros in aid in return for its urgent cooperation and is seeking a refugee swap under which the 28-nation EU would resettle one Syrian refugee from Turkey in exchange for every Syrian refugee that Turkey takes back from the overstretched Greek islands. Other demands are that the bloc should bring forward visa-free travel for Turks and speed up the country’s long-stalled EU membership bid.
There will be intense negotiations between the two sides on the new conditions set by Turkey. The EU is finding the Turkish demands very tough, but at the same time realises that it has no option but to ensure the full cooperation of Ankara. One reason Turkey could be ratcheting up its demands could be that the EU has been slow in meeting conditions agreed in the past. For example, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticised the European Union for a four-month delay in disbursing a promised three billion euro fund for refugees agreed under a November deal. “It’s been four months. They are yet to deliver,” Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara, as Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu held summit talks on the migrant crisis with EU leaders. “Mr prime minister is currently in Brussels. I hope he will return with the money,” said Erdogan.
The refugee crisis is set to worsen as warm weather intensifies fighting in conflict-ridden countries and swells the number of people fleeing the war in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. Several European countries are furious and are blocking refugees.
While a deal with Turkey will definitely help in containing the crisis, the EU also needs to forge a common and humane policy. Greece also must be given help to solve the problems it is facing.
Europe is still struggling to find some ways to mitigate its refugee crisis – mitigate because finding a comprehensive solution, which should be its actual objective, is something remote in the prevailing situation due to the enormity of the crisis. What the continent is facing is not a crisis, but a catastrophe which shows no signs of abating.
One of the countries whose cooperation is crucial in this regard is Turkey. As a neighbour to Syria, Turkey has borne the brunt of the crisis and the government in Ankara has performed its role well within its resources and capabilities. The European Union has recognised this seminal role of Turkey and both have been coordinating with each other for an effective solution to the crisis. The talks being held between both sides is a continuation of this coordination.
Turkey has now increased its demands for carrying out its responsibilities in the refugee crisis. The country’s prime minister made a new proposal at a summit in Brussels yesterday under which it wants an extra three billion euros in aid in return for its urgent cooperation and is seeking a refugee swap under which the 28-nation EU would resettle one Syrian refugee from Turkey in exchange for every Syrian refugee that Turkey takes back from the overstretched Greek islands. Other demands are that the bloc should bring forward visa-free travel for Turks and speed up the country’s long-stalled EU membership bid.
There will be intense negotiations between the two sides on the new conditions set by Turkey. The EU is finding the Turkish demands very tough, but at the same time realises that it has no option but to ensure the full cooperation of Ankara. One reason Turkey could be ratcheting up its demands could be that the EU has been slow in meeting conditions agreed in the past. For example, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticised the European Union for a four-month delay in disbursing a promised three billion euro fund for refugees agreed under a November deal. “It’s been four months. They are yet to deliver,” Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara, as Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu held summit talks on the migrant crisis with EU leaders. “Mr prime minister is currently in Brussels. I hope he will return with the money,” said Erdogan.
The refugee crisis is set to worsen as warm weather intensifies fighting in conflict-ridden countries and swells the number of people fleeing the war in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. Several European countries are furious and are blocking refugees.
While a deal with Turkey will definitely help in containing the crisis, the EU also needs to forge a common and humane policy. Greece also must be given help to solve the problems it is facing.
