Tayyip Erdoğan heralds a new era in his country’s relations with the European Union, using European countries’ desire for Turkey to contribute to defense and security as his main argument.

“We are committed to advancing our cooperation with the European Union, based on mutual benefit and respect.”

A new era—but one that will involve compromises on the Cyprus issue?

This is something that will become clear in the coming weeks, when, at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara on July 7 and 8, Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa will offer European concessions in exchange for a new order of things for Cyprus regarding guarantees and security.

Does Erdoğan have the diplomatic leeway to act when he has the Grey Wolves as his ally in the governing coalition?

“And then there’s Europe. A Europe that targets the Turkish justice system, tarnishes our beloved national hero, Kemal Atatürk, disregards the cause of the Blue Homeland, and ignores the sovereign equality of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the existence of Turkish Cypriots. “We will teach the Turkish nation—and all those who try to challenge the Turkish nation—who we are by hitting them over the head.”
_{^{Devlet Bahçeli – Leader of the Grey Wolves}}

In any case, Erdoğan… is at his best.

As he prepares to welcome Donald Trump at the NATO summit, he also announced his re-election bid to serve another term as President.

The big question remains: how will the Turkish president be able to run again? The solution being discussed involves the Turkish Grand National Assembly. If Parliament decides to call new elections with at least 360 votes, then the way will be paved for Erdogan to run for another presidential term.

A new five-party coalition?

In the coming days, attention will turn to New York.

There, before departing for Brussels, Maria Olgin will brief the UN Secretary-General on the progress of her talks so far.

Officially, the informal five-party meeting has not yet been finalized, while some media outlets are reporting on a second conference in November.

“I currently have no information regarding the organization of another multilateral meeting or any intention to convene a subsequent one. What I am aware of are the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General, and his personal efforts.”
_{^{Konstantinos Letympiotis – Government Spokesperson}}

Meanwhile, in the occupied territories, political tensions are running high, as these developments are provoking reactions from supporters of both states.

Watch the report by Giorgos Georgiadis: