Turkey Seeks BRICS Membership Amid EU Criticism and Identity Politics

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Turkey has not been invited to join BRICS, citing the EU’s alleged Islamophobic policies as a barrier to Turkey’s EU membership. BRICS has paused new admissions as it consolidates itself, while difficulties in Turkey’s EU accession process stem from identity politics. Despite ongoing challenges, Turkey continues to seek EU membership actively.

On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan disclosed that Turkey has not received an invitation to join the BRICS coalition of emerging economies. He attributed the stagnation of Turkey’s long-standing EU membership quest to an ‘Islamophobic’ stance adopted by the European Union. This statement arose during a joint press conference in Ankara with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, where Fidan elaborated on Turkey’s growing foreign policy and global relationships.

Fidan noted that BRICS, which includes nations such as Brazil, Russia, and India, has currently halted new member admissions amid its efforts toward institutional consolidation. “We are closely following BRICS and have clearly shown our interest. However, as far as we understand, BRICS has currently suspended new member admissions,” Fidan stated, indicating Turkey’s ongoing interest but lack of a formal invitation.

BRICS encompasses approximately 54.6 percent of the global population and accounts for about 42.2 percent of worldwide GDP, with several additional countries seeking full membership. Fidan recognized BRICS’s inclusive nature and contrasted it with the perceived exclusivity of the European Union. “Unlike the European Union, BRICS has a remarkably inclusive composition,” he emphasized, highlighting the bloc’s ability to unite diverse cultures and religions.

The challenges Turkey faces in the EU membership process stem from historical reluctance to accept it as a large Muslim-majority country. Fidan remarked, “No one says this outright, but that’s the reality,” underscoring the impact of identity politics on Turkey’s EU aspirations. Turkey’s journey toward EU membership began in 1963, yet stalled negotiations due to human rights concerns and governmental issues have left its status in limbo.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Turkey continues to hold its official status as a candidate for EU membership. Its saga began with the Ankara Agreement and transitioned through various stages, including customs union agreements and official candidate status in 1999. As the European landscape evolves, Turkey remains vigilant in advocating for its interests on the global stage.

In summary, Turkey’s aspiration to join BRICS remains on hold due to the bloc’s current membership policies. The Turkish Foreign Minister attributes the stagnation of Turkey’s EU membership discussions to the European Union’s perceived Islamophobic tendencies. Despite historical setbacks, Turkey maintains its candidacy for EU membership, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in international relations.

Original Source: www.turkishminute.com