Merz’s visits to Ankara could be ‘new chapter’ in German-Turkey ties
(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Türkiye on Thursday could mark the start of a “new chapter” in relations between Berlin and Ankara, according to foreign policy experts, as shifting geopolitical realities push both sides toward closer cooperation.
Ewald Koenig, a senior German political analyst, said Merz has made strengthening Europe a top foreign policy goal and views Türkiye as an essential partner in defense and security.
“I think there’s really a change in relations between Germany and Türkiye,” Koenig told Anadolu. “Chancellor Friedrich Merz will strive for very good relations with Türkiye, although there were many ups and downs in the past.”
He noted that Germany’s new coalition government, in office since May, has adopted a more pragmatic approach and seeks to boost political and economic dialogue with Türkiye. Deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille recently described Türkiye as a “strategically important” NATO ally, highlighting shared interests in foreign and defense policy.
Koenig said Merz’s foreign policy aims to keep the EU united and strengthen partnerships with non-EU powers such as Türkiye and the UK — a response to growing concerns over US President Donald Trump’s “unpredictable” stance toward Europe.
“President Trump is unpredictable... so Europe has to focus on its own power,” he said.
Despite past disagreements, Koenig said Berlin now favors constructive dialogue with Ankara, seeking progress through “positive engagement” in political, economic, and defense areas.
Merz’s visit follows Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s trip to Ankara, during which he called Türkiye a “strategic partner” and backed renewed efforts toward EU-Türkiye cooperation, including visa liberalization and customs union modernization.
Koenig noted that full EU membership for Türkiye remains a long process but said deeper cooperation would benefit both sides. “It would be really very good to have such progress on both sides... I hope one day we have Türkiye as an EU member,” he added.
Eckart Cuntz, a former German ambassador to Ankara, said recent global crises have underlined Türkiye’s growing geopolitical importance.
“This government, under Merz and Wadephul, wants to open a new chapter — bilaterally and with the EU,” he said. “Without Türkiye, you cannot solve so many problems in the world.”
Cuntz highlighted Türkiye’s role in mediating in Gaza and its importance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “It really appears to be one of the major subjects in our relations,” he said.
Germany and Türkiye maintain strong economic and social ties, with over 3.5 million people of Turkish descent in Germany. Cuntz said this creates a “unique relationship” that both sides should build on, particularly in defense cooperation.
“Türkiye has the strongest armed forces in NATO after the United States,” he said, calling Berlin’s support for the potential sale of Eurofighter Typhoons to Türkiye “a positive step.”
“There is still room for development... whether Eurofighters or other projects between Turkish and German companies,” he added.
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