Europe's diminishing interest in Turkey

Yesterday Paris hosted a mini-summit to discuss Europe's most important current problem, the migrant issue. Four continental powers - France, Germany, Italy and Spain - were the European participants. France, hosting the summit, also invited the leaders of Chad, Niger and Libya to discuss the matter.

The format of the Paris mini-summit reflects the changing character of Europe's look at the migration problem. On the European front, it is obvious that three major Mediterranean members perceive this issue as a serious challenge to their security and are continuing their efforts to establish a regularized framework. Germany, as a leading member of the EU, certainly has as a role to play as a key partner.

There may be two reasons behind the fact that other EU members to the east of the continent are not included: First, the migration flow into Europe mainly coming from Turkey toward the Balkans and then onward to Central Europe is now under control. It appears that the strict border control regime implemented by Turkey, as well as the monitoring of the Aegean Sea by NATO, has brought about significant ameliorations.

Second, France is now coming back into European politics with more self-confidence under President Emmanuel Macron and is keen on enhancing its role in the EU's decision-making processes together with Germany. Italy and Spain are France's neighbors to its south, but they are also the southern frontline countries facing the direct consequences of migration originating from North Africa. Their solidarity, therefore, is essential. The recent terrorist attack in Barcelona has increased the sensitivity and necessitated closer coordination among those three Mediterranean countries.

France, however, is not keen on expanding this...