Narratives in flux: Turkish elite perspectives on Germany's role in EU-Turkey relations

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09644008.2025.2530964

This article examines the evolving narratives within the Turkish elite regarding EU–Turkey relations, focusing on Germany's pivotal role. Drawing on in-depth interviews with high-level stakeholders in Turkey, it explores how these narratives have shifted over time, particularly in response to significant milestones. The findings reveal increasing complexity and negativity in discussions surrounding EU–Turkey–Germany relations, driven by new geopolitical challenges that compound unresolved historical grievances. Whereas Germany was once perceived as a central actor promoting Turkey's EU integration, it is now viewed as prioritising pragmatic, interest-driven engagements, resulting in a less cohesive vision for the relationship's future. This shift is attributed to the rise of transactionalism under former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the current leadership vacuum in both German and broader European politics. Despite this, the Turkish elite remains rhetorically committed to EU membership. While alternative forms of partnership are unequivocally rejected, there is openness to reinterpreting what membership could entail within a reformed and more flexible EU framework, with Germany acknowledged as the key member state. The interviews further reflect a widespread belief that sustained dialogue is essential to prevent a complete rupture in relations and safeguard opportunities for future cooperation amid evolving regional and global dynamics.