According to EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, the European Union is looking to reestablish stronger ties with Türkiye following the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. This initiative comes at a time when relations between the EU and Türkiye have been particularly strained due to stalled accession talks, disputes over the Customs Union, and tensions regarding migration. Despite these challenges, the EU sees the necessity of a 'strong partnership' with Ankara as they anticipate changes in the geopolitical landscape once peace is achieved in Ukraine.

Kos emphasized that Türkiye could play a significant role in a new post-conflict order, particularly as a peacekeeper and influential force in the Black Sea region. The EU is acknowledging the strategic importance of Türkiye in addressing security and stability issues following the Ukraine conflict. This shift indicates a possible recalibration of EU policies toward Türkiye, moving beyond previous concerns over democratic backsliding and authoritarian governance under President Erdogan.

The context of this potential rapprochement indicates that the EU may be willing to overlook some of its previous reservations about Türkiye's governance in favor of equipping the union with a key ally in a region that is increasingly seen as vital to Europe’s security strategy. The implications of this renewed partnership could reshape both Türkiye’s position within Europe and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the surrounding regions.