European elections: Stronger European Right affects Turkey policy

The growing strength of right-wing forces in Europe is a clear rejection of a full integration of Turkey into the European Union, writes the Cypriot daily Phileleftheros: "Irrespective of how the EU moves forward and whether the revision of the conditions for Turkey [as regards EU membership] is put on the agenda or not, it's clear that this development must give us [Greek Cypriots] food for thought. After all, the whole [Greek-Turkish] scenario would change if Turkey altered its direction either voluntarily or under duress. … The special relations [favoured by conservative European forces] will do neither Cyprus nor Greece any good because they would give Turkey all the benefits without any of the obligations. … We must therefore be prepared to be confronted with such a situation. Even if the conditions for special relations between Turkey and the EU are extended we will have the right to a say and to play a role."

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