Now is the time to talk about Turkey's democratic deficit

The finalization of the refugee deal between Turkey and the European Union marks a new phase in the relationship between the 28-nation bloc and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government.

For a long time, Turkey's accession process remained frozen and each European country preferred to conduct its own bilateral relations with Turkey. As Turkey was no longer treated as a candidate country, its democratic backpedaling was completely ignored.

Those who are criticizing the refugee deal, arguing that EU is ignoring its own values by striking an agreement with a government that shows signs of authoritarianism, should see that ironically, it is thanks to the refugee deal that Turkey's democratic deficit is now back on the European agenda. 

Prior to the deal, European capitals had neither the wish nor the leverage to stop Turkey from sliding into further authoritarianism. Now at least there is a working relationship and a structured and institutionalized dialogue between Turkey and the EU, within the framework of which the long forgotten political criteria can be tackled.

Germany and like-minded countries desperately want to see this deal work. That should not make them reticent. Turkey needs to see this deal work just as much. The AKP government remains an isolated actor regionally and internationally. It needs to work with a partner like the EU to break that isolation.

The government will therefore be more open to criticism on fundamental rights like freedom of expression and will not want to jeopardize the deal, which comes with a big reward for the government: Visa free travel for Turks. More than 70 criteria, including political criteria, will have to be fulfilled by Turkey. The EU must make sure that these political...