Think tanks advise EU to establish partnership with Turkey

Think tanks from Italy, Spain, Sweden and Poland, which drafted the European Global Strategy, pointed out Turkey as a "vital partner." Referring to Turkey, the USA, China and Russia, the European Global Strategy drafted jointly by the Italian International Affairs Institute, Elcano Royal Institute, Swedish Institute of International Affairs and Polish Institute of International Affairs says, "In linking the EU's regional and global ambitions, four countries are of particular importance." The European Global Strategy report calls for the EU to agree on an "enhanced political partnership" with Turkey "even before its EU accession." The report includes statements such as; "There are powerful reasons why Turkey needs to be an integral part of Europe's future, and its accession will bring significant mutual benefits. Without waiting for accession negotiations to be completed, the EU and Turkey should agree an enhanced political partnership encompassing, but not limited to, deeper cooperation in the area of foreign and security policy, including for example a cooperation agreement between Turkey and the European Defense Agency and enhanced participation in EU civilian and military missions. It is also stated in the report that a renewed partnership with Turkey will accelerate its convergence with EU values and interests, while bringing greater stability and prosperity to its neighborhood and beyond.