Sarkozy Wants to Bring Russia, Turkey Into 'Extended' Version of Europe
It’s time to reform the European Union (EU) by bringing in both Russia and Turkey into a new, “extended” version of the continent, Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy said, according to the French political weekly magazine Le Point.

Following the terrorist attacks in Brussels on Tuesday that left at least 31 people dead and over 300 injured, Sarkozy said a time has come to introduce some major changes in the modus operandi of the European continent.

"EU treaties need to be re-written," Sarkozy said, as cited by Le Point.

Sarkozy advocates for a new "extended" Europe, which would have both Russia and Turkey as its close allies.

People withdraw money from an ATM at the main shopping and pedestrian street of Istiklal in central Istanbul, Turkey January 30, 2016
© REUTERS/ Murad Sezer
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According to the former French president, Europe should be divided into three zones. The first zone would consist of Eurozone countries, which in Sarkozy's opinion should aim for a closer integration. The second European zone should have "smaller countries" which would have less integration than their counterparts from the first group. And last but not least, the third European zone, which would include both Russia and Turkey as allies, should become the area of cooperation.

In Sarkozy's mind this kind of integrationist model would make it easier to figure out many problems the EU's currently facing. Furthermore, by becoming the member of Europe's third integration zone, Turkey would solve the long-standing issue of its potential EU membership.

Le Point suggested that Sarkozy's willingness to reform Europe and re-build the continent based on the three-zone model shows his desire to build closer relations with Moscow.

Interestingly, Sarkozy said in the past that Turkey isn't a European nation and therefore should never join the EU. By suggesting that Turkey should join the "extended" version of Europe, Sarkozy is perhaps trying to kill two birds with one stone: on the one hand, benefit from economic and political cooperation with Ankara; on the other hand, keep the Turks out of the heart of Europe — Eurozone nations.

The latest EU foreign ministers' meeting earlier this month was aimed at getting the Europeans off the sanctions hook
© Sputnik/ Vladimir Sergeev
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As for Russia, Sarkozy is known to have warm feelings towards Moscow, arguing that Russia is essentially a "European civilization" and therefore the EU should have close ties with its big neighbor on the East.

The former French president said he was disappointed by the current state of affairs between France and Russia which has largely been caused by current President Francois Hollande's strong anti-Russian stance. According to the French newspaper Le Monde, Sarkozy said France should change its president, as Hollande isn't doing a good job as the leader of the country.

Sarkozy served as the President of France from 2007 until 2012. After leaving his presidential post, the politician announced his retirement from public life. However, in autumn 2014 he decided to return to politics and is planning to run for president in the next term.

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