Turkey Seeks Membership in BRICS

September 16, 2024

Turkey has officially applied to join BRICS, a group of emerging economies that originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The country is waiting for approval of its membership, with Turkish officials confirming the application is under consideration. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has openly supported Turkey’s interest in joining.

What is BRICS?

BRICS is a coalition of major emerging economies that work together primarily on trade and economic cooperation. Unlike the European Union (EU), BRICS does not have unified security or foreign policies. Instead, it focuses on boosting economic growth and development for its members. Recently, BRICS has expanded to include countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, and over 20 other countries have expressed interest in joining.

Turkey’s Challenges with EU Membership

Turkey started its process to join the EU in 2005, but since 2018, the progress has slowed down significantly. One of the reasons is that the EU requires potential members to follow its democratic values and governance standards, and Turkey has not met these expectations in recent years. Concerns about Turkey’s human rights record and governance have made its EU application more difficult.

Frustration with the EU

Turkey’s bid to join BRICS might be a sign of frustration with the slow pace of EU membership talks. Turkey has been particularly unhappy with the lack of progress in modernizing its customs agreements with the EU and issues related to visa policies. Critics suggest that by applying to BRICS, Turkey could be seeking new partnerships to expand its global influence, especially after feeling left out by the EU.

Strategic Move by Turkey

Some experts believe Turkey’s interest in BRICS could be a strategic move to gain leverage in its negotiations with the EU. However, this move might damage Turkey’s credibility within its traditional alliances, especially with NATO and other Western countries. Turkey’s complex relations with the West, including its sanctions against Russia and support for Hamas, have added to the tension.

Possible Risks

If Turkey joins BRICS, it may create suspicion among its EU and NATO allies. This could lead to reduced trust and cooperation with Western partners. Observers argue that while it’s beneficial for Turkey to have diverse international relationships, it will need to carefully balance its commitments to both Western and non-Western alliances.

About BRICS

BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with the group officially established in 2010. Together, these countries represent over 40% of the world’s population and about 25% of the global economy. BRICS holds annual summits, with the first one taking place in Russia in 2009. One of its key initiatives is the New Development Bank, founded in 2014 to finance infrastructure projects in member countries. The idea of BRICS came from economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to highlight the growing importance of these emerging economies.

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