Das Ende des Doppelspiels: Warum Europa Erdogans syrischen Ambitionen endlich die Tür zuschlägt

This article argues that the European Parliament has finally taken a firm stand against Erdogan’s ambitions in northern Syria, condemning Turkey’s destabilizing actions and backing its words with significant financial support for local security and governance.

My view:

While the vote in the European Parliament is notable, I believe the article exaggerates the scale and impact of this move. Harsh language and large majorities do not necessarily translate into real change. The European Union has often criticized Ankara’s actions in Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean, and beyond, yet meaningful consequences have been limited.

In my view, the EU appears largely content with issuing strong statements while avoiding serious political, economic, or diplomatic costs for Turkey. Erdogan’s aggressive ambitions, expansionist rhetoric, blatant war crimes, and continued presence in northern Syria have not led to decisive sanctions or structural shifts in EU–Turkey relations.

That said, any improvement in tone or policy is welcome. Even incremental steps that increase scrutiny, funding for stabilization, or political pressure are better than silence. But framing this as the “end of the double game” seems premature without concrete enforcement or lasting consequences.

[Turkish strikes in Syria cut water to one million people
](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c79zj7rz3l4o)

[Turkey is once again stoking tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean – this time by undermining the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus](https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2025/09/07/turkey-is-escalating-tensions-in-the-mediterranean-again/)

[Erdogan in Eid al-Fitr holiday greeting: ‚May Allah destroy Israel‘
](https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sk3y7cupkl#autoplay)

[Turkey Arrests Istanbul Mayor, Erdogan’s Top Political Rival
](https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sk3y7cupkl#autoplay)