“Brussels stays quiet because Ankara holds two levers over Europe: an illegal migration tap that it can open or shut at will, and a seat on NATO’s southern flank which nobody wants to lose.”
Greece is holding up the EU’s latest package, while other governments have forced Brussels to weaken measures affecting shipping, banking, fishing and travel.
“No matter which immigration policy has been followed in Europe, they have all failed because they did not meet two criteria: very small numbers and cultural proximity.”
Erdoğan’s recent address formalises Ankara’s proactive strategy of shaping its neighbourhood through military and diplomatic means, raising tensions with Greece while signalling long-term regional ambition.
An official planning report found the proposed site breaches zoning rules, but Athens says the project will go ahead as residents prepare legal action.
