French-Turkish tensions strain relations between Turkey and Europe

Mustafa Kamel

Tensions are rising between Paris and Ankara, especially after the latter failed to honor its commitments to the Berlin Conference on Libya.

Turkey continued to offer military support to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) and the militias allied to it.

This threatens to lengthen the conflict in Libya, but most importantly promises to create tensions between Turkey and European Union countries.

Increasing tensions

Tensions increased between Turkey and France when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at French President Emmanuel Macron in November last year. The two presidents then traded accusations, especially after Turkey launched an attack on northeastern Syria.

Macron then criticized Turkey for interfering in Libya. He said Ankara was playing a dangerous game.

Macron said Turkey had violated all its commitments to the recommendations made during the Berlin conference.

“France will not tolerate Turkish interference in North African states torn by war,” Macron said, referring to Libya.

Turkish influence increased in Libya, especially with the militias of the GNA controlling most of the western part of the country.

The GNA reportedly allowed Turkey to establish two air and naval bases in western Libya. This opens the door for more Turkish interference in Libya and the region.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian asked the EU to open a discussion about its relations with Turkey.

Europe, he said, has to defend its rights in the Mediterranean.

Turkey’s ambitions

Turkish-French relations strained even more a few months ago when a Turkish military ship acted aggressively towards a French frigate functioning within the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation, IRINI.

The crew of the French frigate wanted to search a Turkish cargo ship under suspicions that it was carrying arms for Libya.

Turkey denied French claims in this regard. On June 22, Turkish authorities arrested four Turkish nationals and accused them of spying for France.