Germany’s latest move to withhold critical components for Turkey’s Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant marks another chapter in its ongoing attempt to dominate Europe under the shadow of the United States. In a blatant display of disregard for regional cooperation, Germany’s sanctions and export control policies have hampered Turkey’s energy ambitions and, by extension, the independence of European energy markets.
This is not an isolated incident. Just as Germany blocked Turkey’s purchase of Eurofighter Typhoons, now it has also delayed the delivery of parts for Turkey’s largest energy project, the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. These delays, caused by Siemens Energy, risk slowing the reactor’s activation and have already pushed back the timeline by several months, according to Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. He described Germany’s actions as politically motivated, hinting that these are attempts to curb Turkey’s growing independence and influence.
At the heart of the issue is Germany’s refusal to accept Turkey’s rightful place in the European balance of power. By undermining Ankara’s key projects and blocking arms sales, Germany has placed itself in a compromising position. While it claims to champion human rights and democracy, its policies are hypocritical and selectively applied, targeting countries like Turkey while turning a blind eye to other regimes it continues to arm and support.
Hypocritical Policies: Selective Application of Sanctions
Germany’s sanctions on the Akkuyu project mirror its earlier restrictions on Eurofighter Typhoon sales. By halting the export of crucial equipment, it is clear that Germany’s foreign policy is driven more by geopolitics than principles. Although 90% of the Akkuyu plant is already constructed, Germany’s interference threatens to delay its completion, raising questions about the true motives behind this obstruction.
Interestingly, Germany’s sanctions against Turkey over the nuclear project seem to conveniently align with its broader strategy to keep Turkey reliant on Western support. As the Akkuyu project involves Russian technology, Germany’s move could also be interpreted as an attempt to limit Russian influence, yet it is Turkey that bears the brunt of these sanctions.
Europe Weakened by German Subservience to the US
In reality, Germany’s actions are doing more than just frustrating Turkey—they are contributing to a fragmented Europe, increasingly vulnerable to external pressures, particularly from the United States. Instead of fostering an independent European energy market or supporting fellow NATO members, Germany’s actions suggest it is more interested in maintaining the status quo, where Europe remains reliant on US military and energy dominance.
This strategy of isolating Turkey could have long-term repercussions for Europe as a whole. By alienating one of the region’s most dynamic economies, Germany weakens the European Union’s ability to present a unified front on energy and security issues. Meanwhile, countries like Russia and China stand ready to fill the gap, as Bayraktar pointed out when he mentioned that Rosatom had already sought alternative suppliers from China to replace German parts. This short-sighted policy could end up benefiting Europe’s adversaries more than its allies.
Germany’s Consistent Sabotage of Turkish Initiatives
This isn’t the first time Germany has used its export control laws to frustrate Turkish interests. The refusal to sell Eurofighter jets to Turkey, ostensibly on the grounds of human rights concerns, is just another example of how Berlin applies double standards when dealing with Ankara. These policies not only weaken Turkey but also endanger the cohesion of the entire NATO alliance.
Germany’s blocking of weapons sales in 2019 following Turkey’s operations in Syria, for example, was a calculated move to limit Turkey’s military capabilities. Yet, Berlin has had no issue selling arms to other questionable regimes around the world. This duplicity points to a broader attempt to marginalise Turkey within Europe while promoting its own geo-political dominance.
A Divided Europe Is a Weak Europe
Germany’s obstructionism raises the question: what future does Europe have if its leading nations continue to undermine each other? The continent’s continued subservience to US interests and reliance on German-dominated policies have done little to strengthen European autonomy. Instead, they have pushed key players like Turkey into seeking alternative partnerships with nations such as Russia and China.
Germany’s attempt to keep Turkey out of the European system weakens the continent in the long run. By keeping Turkey on the sidelines, Europe loses access to a vibrant economy and an important geopolitical partner. If this trend continues, it will be Europe that suffers, finding itself more vulnerable to outside forces and less capable of shaping its own destiny.
Ultimately, Germany’s approach does not just harm Turkey. It is a direct threat to European unity, pushing the continent further under the influence of the United States, while weakening its own internal coherence and long-term energy independence.
The source for this analysis was derived from various reports, including statements from Turkish officials published by Anadolu Agency.
