Besides being isolated from energy cooperation , such regional projects include two EU member states – Greece and Cyprus – with which Turkey has conflicts . The conflict of hydrocarbons and EEZ between Turkey and Greece and Cyprus deteriorates the stability of the southeastern fronts of the EU . In order to protect the rights of its two member states , the EU imposes sanctions on Turkey which negatively impact EU-Turkey relations . Mainly after the 2019 unauthorized drilling in the west and northeast of Cyprus , the Council of the EU adopted conclusions that imposed several sanctions on Turkey . Most importantly , one of the conclusions touched upon the settlement of the Cyprus problem once again underlining that Turkey should commit and contribute to the settlement 52 . This development shows that the Cyprus conflict continues to be an obstacle for Turkey in its relations with the EU . In its turn , Turkey claims that it represents the rights of the Turkish Cypriots living on the island who should have their share of the natural resources found off the coast of the island 53 .
However , the recent developments in the East Mediterranean regarding the deployment of Turkish Oruç Reis seismic research vessel in the disputed waters claimed by both Greece and Turkey and the EU ’ s response to it showed that the EU ’ s stance towards Turkey is not definite . The hardliners of the EU – Greece , Cyprus , and France – were disappointed with the moderate decisions of the Council of the EU 54 which were limited to imposing sanctions on some Turkish individuals and companies . Meanwhile , in contrast to the hardliners of the Union , Germany suggested to keep “ the door open ” for Turkey 55 . The decision of the Council of the EU in December mentioned that the EU has a strategic interest in developing cooperative relations with Turkey . However , once again the EU reaffirms that Turkey should be ready to resolve the differences with the EU member states “ through dialogue and in accordance with international law ” 56 which obviously refers to the Cyprus conflict and Greek-Turkish relations .
52
Council of the EU . ( 2019 , July 15 ). Turkish Drilling Activities in the Eastern Mediterranean , https :// www . consilium . europa . eu / en / press / press-releases / 2019 / 07 / 15 / - turkish-drilling-activities-in-the-eastern-mediterranean-council-adopts-conclusions /
53
Khadduri W ., East Mediterranean Gas : Opportunities and Challenges , Mediterranean Politics , 17 ( 1 ), ( 2012 ), 111 – 117
54
Wintour P ., EU Leaders Approve Sanctions on Turkish Officials over Gas Drilling , The Guardian . last modified December 11 , 2020 . https :// www . theguardian . com / world / 2020 / - dec / 11 / eu-leaders-sanctions-turkey-gas-drilling
55 ibid
56
European Council Meeting Conclusions . ( 2020 ). https :// www . consilium . europa . eu / - media / 47296 / 1011-12-20-euco-conclusions-en . pdf
59