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MTV Lebanon
13-03-2025
- Business
- MTV Lebanon
Turkey could be a vital partner as Europe, Ukraine seek new security framework
Turkey has emerged as a key potential partner in restructuring European security, diplomats and analysts say, as Europe scrambles to bolster its defence and find guarantees for Ukraine under any forthcoming ceasefire deal urged by the United States. European countries have been unsettled by U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the Ukraine war, which has upended Washington's policy, halted Russia's isolation with possibility of rapprochement, piled pressure on Kyiv after disastrous talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and endangered transatlantic ties. Analysts say Europeans' push to maintain Ukraine's military capabilities and agree security guarantees, while boosting its own defence without Washington, has created a rare opportunity for Turkey to deepen ties with Europe despite lingering disputes over the rule of law, maritime issues with Greece and Cyprus, and Ankara's long stalled European Union membership bid. "European countries that thought they had the luxury of excluding Turkey until today are now seeing that they cannot exclude Turkey anymore" said Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat and director of the Centre for Economic and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM). Speaking after talks with Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he brought a "clear proposal for Turkey to take on the greatest possible co-responsibility" for peace in Ukraine and regional stability. A senior European diplomat said Turkey had "very important views" on what is needed for peace in Ukraine. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan had managed to balance his relationship between Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the war, the diplomat said, "so it makes sense to have him on board." NATO member Turkey has the alliance's second largest army. It has begun producing its own jets, tanks, and naval carriers in recent years, and sells armed drones globally, including to Ukraine. Its defence industry exports totalled $7.1 billion in 2024. In a blizzard of talks and decisions since Trump's return in January, several European nations discussed forming a "coalition of the willing" to help Ukraine. France has offered to consider extending its nuclear umbrella to allies. Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan have said Europe must include Turkey in the restructure of its security architecture in a "sustainable and deterrent" way. A Turkish official, who requested anonymity, said there were no clear plans yet on a new European security architecture or Turkey's possible contributions to it, but certain steps could advance cooperation. "Instead of including Turkey in projects in an 'a la carte' way, it would be more logical (for Europe) to seek partnerships in a more holistic way. For example, they can start by including Turkey in the European Peace Facility programme," the official told Reuters, referring to an EU initiative supporting Ukraine. COMMON INTERESTS A Turkish Defence Ministry official said Ankara and Europe had common interests, from counter-terrorism to migration, and Turkey's full participation in EU defence efforts was criticial for Europe to be a global actor, adding Turkey was ready to do what it can to help form the new security framework. Despite the window of opportunity, analysts say Turkey's stance towards Russia remains a test, as Ankara refused to impose sanctions after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and still shares strong ties in energy, tourism, and trade. "The fundamental question that will come before Turkey is the issue of ties with Russia because the essence of Europe's security framework starts by viewing Russia as a threat," Ulgen said, adding Ankara must choose a side and position on Russia to take a greater security role. Turkey has backed Ukraine militarily and voiced support for its territorial integrity and sovereignty. It hosted peace talks in the first weeks of the war and offered to host future talks, while seeking to revive a deal on Black Sea navigational safety. Last week, a Turkish Defence Ministry source said Turkey could consider contributing to a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, if a ceasefire is declared. Turkey's armed forces chief of staff Metin Gurak attended a meeting of European army chiefs in Paris this week, and met counterparts from Britain and France, who have also discussed deploying troops. Another European diplomat said it was vital for Turkey to take part in security guarantees for Ukraine. "Erdogan's interests lie with us right now, especially as he no longer has that Russia dynamic in Syria," the person said, in a reference to Russia's backing of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey backing opposition rebels for years. "So, in a way, the stars are aligned for them to play a role within the future European guarantees for Ukraine."
Asharq Al-Awsat
13-03-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Türkiye Could Be a Vital Partner as Europe, Ukraine Seek New Security Framework
Türkiye has emerged as a key potential partner in restructuring European security, diplomats and analysts say, as Europe scrambles to bolster its defense and find guarantees for Ukraine under any forthcoming ceasefire deal urged by the United States. European countries have been unsettled by US President Donald Trump's plan to end the Ukraine war, which has upended Washington's policy, halted Russia's isolation with possibility of rapprochement, piled pressure on Kyiv after disastrous talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and endangered transatlantic ties. Analysts say Europeans' push to maintain Ukraine's military capabilities and agree security guarantees, while boosting its own defense without Washington, has created a rare opportunity for Turkey to deepen ties with Europe despite lingering disputes over the rule of law, maritime issues with Greece and Cyprus, and Ankara's long stalled European Union membership bid. "European countries that thought they had the luxury of excluding Türkiye until today are now seeing that they cannot exclude Türkiye anymore" said Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat and director of the Center for Economic and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM). Speaking after talks with Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he brought a "clear proposal for Türkiye to take on the greatest possible co-responsibility" for peace in Ukraine and regional stability. A senior European diplomat said Türkiye had "very important views" on what is needed for peace in Ukraine. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan had managed to balance his relationship between Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the war, the diplomat said, "so it makes sense to have him on board." NATO member Türkiye has the alliance's second largest army. It has begun producing its own jets, tanks, and naval carriers in recent years, and sells armed drones globally, including to Ukraine. Its defense industry exports totaled $7.1 billion in 2024. In a blizzard of talks and decisions since Trump's return in January, several European nations discussed forming a "coalition of the willing" to help Ukraine. France has offered to consider extending its nuclear umbrella to allies. Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan have said Europe must include Türkiye in the restructure of its security architecture in a "sustainable and deterrent" way. A Turkish official, who requested anonymity, said there were no clear plans yet on a new European security architecture or Türkiye's possible contributions to it, but certain steps could advance cooperation. "Instead of including Türkiye in projects in an 'a la carte' way, it would be more logical (for Europe) to seek partnerships in a more holistic way. For example, they can start by including Türkiye in the European Peace Facility program," the official told Reuters, referring to an EU initiative supporting Ukraine. COMMON INTERESTS A Turkish Defense Ministry official said Ankara and Europe had common interests, from counter-terrorism to migration, and Türkiye's full participation in EU defense efforts was critical for Europe to be a global actor, adding Türkiye was ready to do what it can to help form the new security framework. Despite the window of opportunity, analysts say Türkiye's stance towards Russia remains a test, as Ankara refused to impose sanctions after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and still shares strong ties in energy, tourism, and trade. "The fundamental question that will come before Türkiye is the issue of ties with Russia because the essence of Europe's security framework starts by viewing Russia as a threat," Ulgen said, adding Ankara must choose a side and position on Russia to take a greater security role. Türkiye has backed Ukraine militarily and voiced support for its territorial integrity and sovereignty. It hosted peace talks in the first weeks of the war and offered to host future talks, while seeking to revive a deal on Black Sea navigational safety. Last week, a Turkish Defense Ministry source said Türkiye could consider contributing to a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, if a ceasefire is declared. Türkiye's armed forces chief of staff Metin Gurak attended a meeting of European army chiefs in Paris this week, and met counterparts from Britain and France, who have also discussed deploying troops. Another European diplomat said it was vital for Türkiye to take part in security guarantees for Ukraine. "Erdogan's interests lie with us right now, especially as he no longer has that Russia dynamic in Syria," the person said, in a reference to Russia's backing of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Türkiye backing opposition groups for years. "So, in a way, the stars are aligned for them to play a role within the future European guarantees for Ukraine."
Al Arabiya
13-03-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Turkey could be key partner as Ukraine, Europe seek new security framework: Analysts
Turkey has emerged as a key potential partner in restructuring European security, diplomats and analysts say, as Europe scrambles to bolster its defense and find guarantees for Ukraine under any forthcoming ceasefire deal urged by the United States. European countries have been unsettled by US President Donald Trump's plan to end the Ukraine war, which has upended Washington's policy, halted Russia's isolation with possibility of rapprochement, piled pressure on Kyiv after disastrous talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and endangered transatlantic ties. Analysts say Europeans' push to maintain Ukraine's military capabilities and agree security guarantees, while boosting its own defense without Washington, has created a rare opportunity for Turkey to deepen ties with Europe despite lingering disputes over the rule of law, maritime issues with Greece and Cyprus, and Ankara's long stalled European Union membership bid. 'European countries that thought they had the luxury of excluding Turkey until today are now seeing that they cannot exclude Turkey anymore' said Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat and director of the Centre for Economic and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM). Speaking after talks with Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he brought a 'clear proposal for Turkey to take on the greatest possible co-responsibility' for peace in Ukraine and regional stability. A senior European diplomat said Turkey had 'very important views' on what is needed for peace in Ukraine. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan had managed to balance his relationship between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the war, the diplomat said, 'so it makes sense to have him on board.' NATO member Turkey has the alliance's second largest army. It has begun producing its own jets, tanks, and naval carriers in recent years, and sells armed drones globally, including to Ukraine. Its defense industry exports totaled $7.1 billion in 2024. In a blizzard of talks and decisions since Trump's return in January, several European nations discussed forming a 'coalition of the willing' to help Ukraine. France has offered to consider extending its nuclear umbrella to allies. Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan have said Europe must include Turkey in the restructure of its security architecture in a 'sustainable and deterrent' way. A Turkish official, who requested anonymity, said there were no clear plans yet on a new European security architecture or Turkey's possible contributions to it, but certain steps could advance cooperation. 'Instead of including Turkey in projects in an 'a la carte' way, it would be more logical (for Europe) to seek partnerships in a more holistic way. For example, they can start by including Turkey in the European Peace Facility program,' the official told Reuters, referring to an EU initiative supporting Ukraine. Common interests A Turkish Defense Ministry official said Ankara and Europe had common interests, from counter-terrorism to migration, and Turkey's full participation in EU defense efforts was critical for Europe to be a global actor, adding Turkey was ready to do what it can to help form the new security framework. Despite the window of opportunity, analysts say Turkey's stance towards Russia remains a test, as Ankara refused to impose sanctions after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and still shares strong ties in energy, tourism, and trade. 'The fundamental question that will come before Turkey is the issue of ties with Russia because the essence of Europe's security framework starts by viewing Russia as a threat,' Ulgen said, adding Ankara must choose a side and position on Russia to take a greater security role. Turkey has backed Ukraine militarily and voiced support for its territorial integrity and sovereignty. It hosted peace talks in the first weeks of the war and offered to host future talks, while seeking to revive a deal on Black Sea navigational safety. Last week, a Turkish Defense Ministry source said Turkey could consider contributing to a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, if a ceasefire is declared. Turkey's armed forces chief of staff Metin Gurak attended a meeting of European army chiefs in Paris this week, and met counterparts from Britain and France, who have also discussed deploying troops. Another European diplomat said it was vital for Turkey to take part in security guarantees for Ukraine. 'Erdogan's interests lie with us right now, especially as he no longer has that Russia dynamic in Syria,' the person said, in a reference to Russia's backing of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey backing opposition forces for years. 'So, in a way, the stars are aligned for them to play a role within the future European guarantees for Ukraine.'
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BPA announces intention to split with California and join new Southwest energy market
Powerlines in Hood River County above the Columbia River move electricity from the Bonneville Dam to customers across the region on July 25, 2024. (Photo by Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle) The nonprofit federal administration that provides one-third of the Northwest's electricity is preparing to part ways with its current Western energy market and sell its excess energy to companies and electric cooperatives as far away as Louisiana. Bonneville Power Administration officials announced in a draft policy proposal released Wednesday that they intend to leave the California-controlled 'real-time' market they've participated in since 2022 and join a new 'day-ahead' energy market based out of Little Rock, Arkansas. The move sparked concern and criticism from public utility commissioners and lawmakers in Oregon and Washington, as well as large investor-owned utilities in the region who say it will drive up rates for their millions of customers and cause grid reliability issues. Most utilities in the West today operate in a 'real-time market,' where each one sets its supply and demand schedule for the next day without seeing what other member utilities are planning, and they buy and sell power on an as-needed basis in the market. In a day-ahead market, everyone shares energy generating capacity and anticipated needs a day ahead, and the market prices are negotiated based on that information. This means a new slate of customers would be able to buy power from BPA that has previously only been available to utilities operating in the 10 states covered by California's 'real-time' system, which includes all or parts of Oregon, Washington, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Although California is developing its own 'day-ahead' market, BPA does not intend to join it. BPA officials will issue a final decision in May on joining the Southwest Power Pool's Markets+ system, instead of California's Extended Day-Ahead Market, or EDAM, system. BPA officials expect by October 2028 the agency would be operating in the Southwest Power Pool. If BPA joins the Southwest Pool, it would still sell energy first to the 140 consumer-owned utilities in the Northwest that it is legally required to serve before selling its excess power. BPA would also continue to sell surplus power to Northwest utilities. BPA officials have asserted for years that California has too much power over the region-wide energy system because the California Independent System Operator is governed in part by the California Legislature. The Southwest Power Pool, on the other hand, is governed by a board that includes power producers and utilities. It serves all or some of Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming. Critics of BPA's decision to leave the California market and join the Southwest Power Pool say that it would cost Northwest utilities — serving the bulk of residents in the region — big money that they'll have to pass onto their consumers. With BPA out, the pool of energy that Western utilities can purchase from would be smaller and from potentially more expensive sources. It would also delay a long-awaited dream of creating a truly regionally integrated Western grid that could help states collectively manage big transmission issues, boost clean energy generation and address safety issues, lawmakers said. Oregon's U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat, has called on BPA for months to reconsider its inclination towards the Southwest Power Pool, which several analyses — including a BPA-commissioned study — have shown will cost more upfront and could lead to higher electricity costs for ratepayers across the Northwest. 'This hasty draft decision by the BPA is not good news for electricity consumers in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest,' Wyden said in an emailed statement. Kandi Young, a spokesperson for Oregon's Public Utility Commission, which has also been critical of BPA's leanings towards the Southwest Pool, said in an email that model's in the BPA-commissioned study show the agency would save customers in the Northwest $4.4 billion in the next decade by choosing to join California's day-ahead market as opposed to the Southwest Power Pool. 'We look forward to further discussion with BPA on how these regional benefits should be viewed alongside the factors they have prioritized,' she said. Doug Johnson, a senior spokesperson for BPA, said in an email that the analysis shows higher upfront costs in joining the Southwest Pool but lower costs over time, and that California's EDAM market would cost more on an annual basis after implementation. The Bonneville Power Administration is a federal agency responsible for selling hydroelectricity generated from 31 federal dams and a nuclear plant in the Columbia Basin at wholesale rates. BPA is not supposed to collect a profit on its electricity sales, which currently power more than one-third of all the electricity used in the Northwest. BPA is obligated first to sell power to 140 consumer-owned utilities in the region, and then it sells the excess to other consumer and private-investor owned utilities in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and areas of Montana, California, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. It delivers that electricity via 15,000 miles of transmission lines in oversees in the region, representing 75% of the Northwest's high voltage transmission system. In announcing its intent to join the Southwest Power Pool, BPA has the support of most of the utilities it serves by law, including the backing of the Portland-based Public Power Council, a nonprofit industry group representing consumer-owned utilities in the Northwest that get priority purchase power from the Bonneville Power Administration. Since 2022, BPA has sold its excess power to other Northwest utilities and California's real-time energy market, managed by CAISO. The California-based market is responsible for energy trading across about 80% of the electrical grid in 10 Western states. Most of that energy trading happens via a supercomputer in Folsom, California, which can move energy, such as that coming from BPA, where it's needed in real time and shut down power where it could be dangerous in real-time, like during a wildfire. California, like the Southwest Power Pool, is creating a new day-ahead market where instead of buying, selling and moving energy in real time, members can trade and prices can be negotiated in advance. The biggest utilities in the West, such as PacifiCorp, PGE and Seattle City Light, are choosing to stay with California in its new day-ahead market. Some, such as Puget Sound Energy and Avista, have been waiting to see what BPA decides. The large utilities are concerned that if BPA is removed from the Western power pool, it will drive up prices across the region and create expensive inefficiencies. Letha Tawney, one of three commissioners on the Oregon Public Utility Commission, said if BPA leaves the Western market, it will create needless problems. If a transmission line trips off because of a wildfire, or a coal plant goes down, the supercomputer in Folsom can quickly reroute energy across the region. Without BPA on its radar, a system operator in California would have to call operators in Little Rock to ask what each was seeing on their own maps of the Western energy load. To try to address these concerns, public utilities commissioners, utilities officials and state leaders have created an initiative meant to move some governance away from California and to spread it more broadly across members. BPA officials have said they appreciate the effort — called the 'Pathways Initiative' — but still see California as legislatively bound to serving its state's customers before the region's customers. 'Bonneville staff is concerned that the vast majority of the benefits realized from creating a Westwide market would flow to California,' officials wrote in their recommendation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
