Turkey has officially applied to join BRICS, the economic group that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Turkish government spokesperson Omer Celik confirmed this, saying the request is “pending.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for Turkey’s inclusion in the group.
EU’s Concerns Over Shared Values
Turkey’s move toward BRICS could jeopardize its EU accession, as the EU expects candidate countries to align with its values. EU spokesperson Peter Stano emphasized that Turkey must support the bloc’s common foreign and security policies if it wishes to advance in its membership process.
Frustration with Stalled EU Accession
Turkey’s interest in joining BRICS may be linked to frustration over its stalled EU membership bid, which has been frozen since 2018 due to concerns over media freedom and the judiciary. Turkey also feels sidelined by the EU’s reluctance to modernize its customs agreement or liberalize visas.
Risks of Joining BRICS
Experts warn that joining BRICS could backfire for Turkey, further straining its relations with Western allies and diminishing its credibility within the EU and NATO. While Turkey seeks to balance its position between the East and West, some experts believe this strategy could isolate the country from critical partnerships in Europe.
Conclusion
Turkey’s desire to join BRICS reflects its frustration with the EU, but the move could complicate its accession process and further distance it from Western alliances.