In order to overcome one of the obstacles to visa liberalization with the European Union stemming from Turkey’s refusal to recognize Cyprus, a member of the bloc, Turkey is considering offering the so-called Kosovo model in which a special representative mediates between Kosovo and five EU member states that do not recognize Kosovo.
One of the requirements for visa liberalization involves Turkey’s cooperation with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL). However, since Turkey does not recognize Cyprus, such cooperation has not been fully implemented. In a similar case with Kosovo, the EU appointed a special representative to mediate between Kosovo and the EU members that refuse to recognize the country.
Deputy Foreign Minister Faruk Kaymakçı told the Hürriyet daily that the Kosovo model could be suggested to the EU. “If there’s a will, there’s a way” he said.
In Turkey’s negotiations for visa liberalization, the EU’s requirement to reform the counterterrorism law continues to be the biggest obstacle.
