Europe’s Trade Weapons Might Persuade Erdogan to Listen on Syria

(Bloomberg) -- Turkey’s relations with its European neighbors have never been simple -- veering over the centuries from sworn enemies to pragmatic partners. Since 1995, they’ve been linked by a Customs Union agreement that eliminated tariffs on the trade of goods, and today the EU is by far Turkey’s top commercial partner. With Germany leading the pack, Chancellor Angela Merkel has considerable clout in talks about possible penalties against Ankara over its military operation in Syria. The EU has shown before it’s willing to act, imposing crippling economic sanctions on Russia over its meddling in Ukraine and annexation of Crimea -- something many observers thought wouldn’t happen because of the risk to German industry. So, as EU foreign ministers weigh action against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration, they have more leverage at their disposal than a half-hearted arms embargo.

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