Political: While EU is dealing with Russia, Turkey is returning to Balkans

According to a comprehensive analysis, a hundred years after the Ottomans lost the Balkans, descendants of the empire are again trying to penetrate the region.

“While trying to increase its influence in the Western Balkans, the European Union is not only making Russia increasingly aggressive, but also increasing Turkey's “ambitions, writes “Politio”.

On Thursday, EU leaders meet in Sofia with colleagues from the Western Balkans Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.

At the first such summit since 2003, The EU will, reportedly, reiterates that its door remains open for the region, while leaders of Balkan countries commit to undertake reforms needed to become a member day.

The EU's interest to increase its courtyard even from the southern part has been caused by fear of Moscow's major role in the region -- by the delivery of war planes to Serbia, as well as the alleged participation of the coup effort in Montenegro -- has declared “Politicalo”.

European leaders, they add, are concerned about Turkey's growing influence in the Western Balkans, especially since the country has begun a more authoritarian path.

The text reminds us that French President Emmanuel Makron put Ankara and Moscow in the same basket before the European Parliament, saying he does not know whether Turkey or Russia are more influential in the Balkans.

Turkey considers the Balkans part of its natural sphere of influence as a former imperial power with the Ottoman Empire, which peaked until Vienna.

During Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 15-year rule, Turkey has made great and tough efforts in order to achieve the greatest fortified political, cultural and economic influence in the Western Balkans.

It has offered development assistance, led by major infrastructure projects, opening universities and building mosques, encouraged Turkish businessmen to invest in the region and encouraged dialogue among neighbouring communities.

However, Ankara's political expansion also has a dark side, says “Politicalo”. Erdogan and Turkish ministers are putting pressure on countries in the region to take action against followers of Imam Fethulah Gylen, whom Ankara considers responsible for the attempted coup in 2016, writes news.

Erdogan's plan to hold a meeting in Sarajevo 20 May on the eve of Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections in June also testifies to the spread of influence in the region, according to the portal, and recalls that Western European countries banned excellent gatherings during Turkey's recent election campaign.

“Politio” says an unidentified official in the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs says there is no reason for concern of the EU due to Turkey's role in the region.

I don't understand why they are upset because of Turkey's influence on the Balkans. We want to make good relations, we would like to trade with them, support them in Euro-Atlantic integration. This is a situation where everyone will be happy”, he said.

Turkey's trade with the EU is about 145 billion euros, but Ankara has high hopes of strengthening economic relations in the region.

The portal also tells of a significant increase in Turkey's trade with the Western Balkans “from 364m euros in 2002 to 2.5 billion euros in 2016”.

It also stresses that close cultural, historical and religious ties make Turkey a natural partner for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and Kosovo with a considerable Muslim population.

“What is most strange is the increasing trade and political relations with Serbia, where it is used to remove the widespread anti-Turkish sentiment”, says “Politicalo”.

The trip to the highway through Serbia, which connects Turkey and Western Europe, illustrates the difference: in recent years, posters promote hotels and restaurants for Turkish truck drivers”, and there are signs showing glass in the vicinity.

Economic interests convince both countries to put aside old hostilities.

Also, the portal recalls Serbia's President Aleksandar Vuciq's recent visit to Ankara and talks with Erdogan on infrastructure projects and other issues, and is said to be the biggest “player, the most powerful country in the Balkans”.

However, Turkey's economic presence is not what worries European allies, but they fear Turkey may have political influence at the expense of Brussels.

Regarding Turkey, Russia, China and all Gulf countries demonstrate economic and political interest in the Western Balkans, the governments of the region can build close relations with partners who are less interested in democratic standards than the politics of EU states.

Former Turkish diplomat Sinan Ulgen says Ankara has repeatedly voiced support for the European integration of the Western Balkans, and Turkey is in contrast in Moscow, does not offer the competitive political “model. ”

Many analysts say it would be in vain if the EU is trying to reduce Turkey's presence in the region regarding long-term historical ties.

Some analysts fear Erdogan's aggressive approach could boost tensions among ethnic communities in the region. Others, however, suggest causing problems is not in Turkey's interest.

“Any conflict or tension in the region will reduce Turkey's opportunity to develop closer relations and economic relations in the region, as opposed to Ankara” priorities, analyst Murat Ugur Ekinci, an analyst for Balkan issues, concludes. /Lajmi.net/