There is a lot of talk as of late about European rearmament and who is gonna pay for it, pointing to Social Security Funds and the European taxpayer. Since Trump pulled the rag from under Europe's feet, striking alliances with the Russian Tsar, the European military-industrial complex is having a party in the Old Continent at the expense of its citizens. In Germany, companies that manufactured Hitler's bloody war campaign like Thyssen-Krupp get ready to make tanks again for the Ukrainian front, while the mighty Volkswagen has promised to get involved in military procurement as well to save itself from Trump's tariff wars. But if you thought that pouring money into ex-war criminals' pockets is a major scandal, check out European double standards, namely France's and Germany's late military dealings with the Turkish autocrat Recep Tayyip Erdogan who resembles in every aspect of his rule their greatest rival, Vladimir Putin.
Talking about double standards
Yesterday, Turkish police detained the strongest rival to President Erdogan, Istanbul Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. Erdogan has targeted all possible contenders ahead of the next presidential election aiming to stretch his rule for a third consecutive decade. Along with Imamoglu, some 100 others connected to the mayor were also detained, including elected Istanbul district mayors Resul Emrah Sahan and Murat Calik. Imamoglu was detained as part of corruption and terror investigations. The opposition condemned this culmination of a months-long crackdown as politically motivated. Human Rights Watch has criticized Erdogan for removing several elected opposition mayors and replacing them with government-appointed ones.
One would think that a politically motivated months-long crackdown on democratic rule in Turkey would be condemned at the European fora. But something quite obvious in the past, is not the case anymore.
To begin with, Turkey has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing its diplomatic relations with both Ukraine and Russia. Its role has involved engaging in dialogue and facilitating negotiations, particularly given its strategic location and relationships with both countries.
It has also increased its role and military presence in Syria being the major supporter of the new Syrian government.
Turkey has used the above as leverage to engage in discussions and negotiations with various European countries, including France and Germany, particularly in the context of defense cooperation and military procurement.
Military jets, frigates, armored vehicles, and even submarines are discussed as we speak, as Ankara has shown interest in modernizing its military and diversifying its defense partnerships, which sometimes includes seeking advanced military technology and equipment from European nations.
Here are some examples of arms deals and discussions that have been publicly reported in recent years:
Bayraktar Drones: Turkey has been quite successful in marketing its Bayraktar TB2 drones, which have been used in various conflicts, including in Ukraine. There have been reports of sales and potential interest from several European countries in acquiring these drones.
Missile Defense Systems: Turkey's interest in advanced missile defense systems has been noted, particularly in the context of discussions with France regarding the SAMP/T missile system, aimed at providing air defense capabilities.
Combat Aircraft: Turkey has ongoing projects to develop its own fifth-generation fighter jet (TF-X), and there have been discussions about potential collaborations with European aerospace industries to enhance technology transfer and production capabilities.
Naval Equipment: Turkey has shown interest in naval technologies, and discussions around joint ventures or acquisitions may take place, particularly related to frigates, submarines, and other naval systems, although specific deals are often kept confidential until finalized.
Armored Vehicles: Turkey has expressed interest in acquiring advanced armored vehicles and land systems from various European manufacturers, and negotiations may be ongoing.
While these examples indicate areas of interest, the public disclosure of arms deals often depends on the progress of negotiations and the political context. Which brings us to the current developments. What is Europe going to do now, that the Erdogan regime has arrested the President's strongest rival? Is it still going to negotiate arms deals with the Turks?
It seems that the implications of this event for European-Turkish relations, particularly concerning arms deals and negotiations, are complex and multifaceted. Yet, if double standards don't apply, the least one would expect is for European leaders and institutions to publicly condemn the arrest as a politically motivated action aimed at suppressing dissent and undermining democratic processes in Turkey. This could lead to increased scrutiny of Turkey's human rights record.
Alternatively, the arrest should prompt European countries to reevaluate their diplomatic relations with Turkey and influence their willingness to engage in arms deals. European nations should consider suspending or delaying arms negotiations until there is a clearer commitment from Turkey to uphold democratic norms and human rights. Maybe they should attach conditions to any arms deals, emphasizing the need for political reforms and respect for democratic processes in Turkey.
As of this moment, no one in Europe has condemned the latest clampdown on Turkish democracy, despite significant coverage by the Press. Knowing European double standards, it is becoming quite evident that some European nations may still pursue arms deals, viewing Turkey as a strategic partner in regional security, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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