Georgi Gotev & Sarantis Michalopoulos, EURACTIV <euractiv@publisher-news.com> Unsubscribe
Mon, May 1, 5:14 PM (7 hours ago)
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Save the dates: 14 & 21 May
By Georgi Gotev & Sarantis Michalopoulos | @GeorgiGotev @SarantisMich
May 2023 will offer two political shows not to be missed: presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey on 14 May and parliamentary elections in Greece on 21 May. In both countries, who have difficult bilateral relations, the stakes are high.
The saying goes that NATO made sure both Greece and Turkey joined (in February 1952) to prevent them from going to war with each other. History and geography weigh heavily on Ankara and Athens, and the control of the eastern Mediterranean and Aegean seas remains the basis of the countries’ rivalry.
But NATO membership could not prevent both countries from waging internal political wars. Turkey has been the scene of four coups d’état (1960, 1971, 1980, and 1997) and of a failed coup in 2016, while in Greece there have been coups in 1967, 1973, and an attempted coup in 1975.
The 1973 coup had wider geopolitical consequences, leading to the 1974 division of Cyprus, which further upped the ante in relations between Ankara and Athens. In 1981, Greece joined the EU (the European Community), while Turkey received candidate status for EU membership in 1999, but has lost interest to join in the meantime.
Both Turkey and Greece are countries with captured media.
Most, if not all, mainstream Greek media outlets are directly or indirectly owned by a handful of shipping industry magnates and influential businessmen. What is more, the majority of them – especially TV stations – maintain proven close ties to the ruling conservative New Democracy party and members of its leadership.
Greece ranks last in the EU (108th out of the 180 countries surveyed) in terms of media freedom, according to Reporters Without Borders. A new report, due to be published soon, is not expected to paint a better picture of Greece’s media landscape.
According to the same index, Turkey is ranked 149th. Around 90% of Turkey’s media are under government control, while abusive court cases and jailing of critical journalists are commonplace.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan faces his stiffest challenge yet.
European Pharmaceutical Strategy at a cross roads: Independence versus market consolidation?
Today's edition is powered by Medicines for Europe
European Pharmaceutical Strategy at a cross roads: Independence versus market consolidation?
How can we ensure equitable and timely access to medicines for patients in Europe? Hosted by MEP Stelios Kympouropoulos, join Medicines for Europe and EU40 on May 3 at the European Parliament.
Photo of the day
A supporter of Turkish presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) hold a banner reads 'Democrat vs Dıctator' and shouts slogans during his elections campaign rally in Kocaeli, Turkey, 28 April 2023. General elections will be held in Turkey on 14 May 2023 with a two-round voting to elect the President of Turkey and parliamentary elections held simultaneously to elect the members the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. EPA-EFE/ERDEM SAHIN
The Roundup
Poland became the primary destination for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s war on the country, with millions crossing its border. With the fighting entering its second year, needs have shifted beyond humanitarian aid.
Russia unleashed a fresh volley of missiles on Ukraine overnight, causing huge blazes in a city in the east, damaging dozens of homes and wounding at least 34 people.
As China’s “wolf warrior” diplomats openly question the sovereignty of ex-Soviet states, including the Baltics, Eastern Europe should respond. Eastern European countries should invest in defense industrial supply chains that will not only bolster Ukraine but also support Taiwan, writes Joseph Webster.
The energy crisis and pressure to reduce consumption following the invasion of Ukraine have driven further demand cuts as EU institutions join efforts to cut energy use and emissions.
Look out for…
Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis hosts high-level dialogue with Japan’s Economy and Trade Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi on Tuesday.
Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans participates in 14th Petersberg Climate Dialogue and speaks at Strategic Dialogue on Global Stock-take and roadmap for global transformation on Tuesday-Wednesday.
Commissioner Nicolas Schmit in Geneva, attends Growth Summit organised by World Economic Forum on Tuesday.
Informal meeting of employment and social affairs ministers on Tuesday-Wednesday.
[Edited by Zoran Radosavljevic]
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