The article discusses the significant political changes in Turkey following the June 24 elections, which solidified President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's power and marked the transition to a new constitution. This constitution grants the president extensive executive and legislative powers, effectively reducing the role of parliament. Critics like Aykan Erdemir and Magdalena Kirchner argue that the new system lacks substantial checks and balances, particularly with a judiciary subservient to Erdoğan. The article highlights concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions in Turkey and the consolidation of power in the hands of the president, with the parliament now largely symbolic and the state of emergency laws making Erdoğan's control over the AK party and state apparatus even more pronounced.

Experts criticize Turkey for not fully utilizing its renewable energy potential, despite ranking 17th in Ernst&Young's renewable energy attractiveness index. Turkey's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels is costly and increases its carbon emissions, which grew by 135.4% from 1990 to 2016. The government's investments in fossil fuels and nuclear energy overlook the benefits of the green economy. Greenpeace Akdeniz and 350Ankara highlight the issues with Turkey's energy policy, including the high carbon emission model and the overproduction of energy. The article suggests that a shift towards renewable energy could reduce energy import dependency, create jobs, and mitigate climate-related costs, which have been significant for Turkey. Despite the lack of decisive government action, there is some growth in renewable energy in Turkey, which could potentially influence its foreign policy and relations with the EU.

Alessandro Sandrini, an Italian citizen, disappeared during a holiday in Turkey in 2016 and has recently made contact with his family, claiming he was taken prisoner by armed men. The case became public in December when Italian media reported that Sandrini had called his mother after being missing for over a year. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Brescia prosecutors are investigating the kidnapping, with the Italian embassy in Ankara cooperating with Turkish police. The case has sparked debate in Italy over the payment of ransoms and the safety of traveling to certain countries. Despite the sensitive nature of the case, mainstream Italian media have been quiet, possibly due to the discretion requested by investigators. The situation has raised suspicions and left many questions unanswered, potentially affecting Italian tourism to Turkey.

The article discusses the heightened security measures and the state of mourning that have ensued following a deadly attack. The specifics of the attack, such as the location, perpetrators, and the number of casualties, are not provided in the excerpt. The focus is on the response to the incident, indicating that authorities have taken steps to increase security to prevent further incidents and to help the community cope with the tragedy. The mood of the affected area is somber, with individuals and families grieving the loss of life. The article likely provides details on the security protocols implemented and the public's reaction to the attack.

The article discusses the significant influence of Turkish expatriates in Europe on Turkish elections, highlighting the polarization and challenges they face in their adopted countries. It explores the impact of President Erdogan's anti-Western rhetoric and the European response, including bans on Turkish political campaigning. The article also examines the role of organizations like the TGD in Germany and the sentiments of Turkish communities towards integration and political participation. It touches on the rise of xenophobic parties in Europe, the Gezi Park protests, and incidents that have raised concerns about Erdogan's influence on Turkish expats. The article concludes by discussing the controversy surrounding German footballers of Turkish origin and the broader implications for integration and identity in Europe.

The article discusses the escalating diplomatic tension between the United States and Turkey over the detention of American pastor Andrew Brunson in Turkey. President Donald Trump has threatened Turkey with sanctions if they do not release Brunson. The situation has been complicated by a failed deal that was reported by The Washington Post, where Turkey allegedly reneged on a promise to release Brunson in exchange for Israel freeing a Turkish woman. The article also touches on other contentious issues between the two nations, such as Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missiles and U.S. support for Kurdish forces in Syria. The U.S. Congress has considered blocking the sale of F-35 jets to Turkey, and other sanctions are being contemplated under CAATSA and through the U.S. Treasury. Experts from various institutions provide their insights on the matter, with some suggesting that Turkey's economic vulnerabilities may limit its response options.

In Turkey, a surge of grassroots environmental protests is emerging in response to numerous megaprojects that are transforming the country's economy and environment. Despite initial optimism for job creation and economic development, communities have become disillusioned by the negative environmental impacts of projects like lignite mines and coal power plants. Activists like İbrahim Yalçın and Murat Karacan are mobilizing local resistance, often in areas that are traditional strongholds of the ruling party. Organizations such as Greenpeace and 350Ankara are supporting these efforts by providing information and legal assistance. Despite the challenges posed by strict anti-terrorism laws and a political climate that favors large-scale projects, environmental awareness is growing, and activists are increasingly organized and informed, leading to some successes in halting harmful projects.

The article discusses the closure of two Italian chocolate factories, Cioccolato VdA and the iconic Pernigotti, by their Turkish owners, leading to job losses and sparking concerns about Turkish investments in Italy. Turkish investments in Italy have increased significantly, with Turkish companies investing for various strategic reasons, including gaining a foothold in the EU market. The article highlights the benefits of Italian-Turkish business collaborations, especially in developing markets. However, the devaluation of the Turkish lira and high inflation in Turkey have affected businesses. The article also touches on the political and legal challenges faced by foreign investors in Italy, such as the rigidity of Italian commercial law and the lack of an insolvency mechanism, which complicates the rescue of troubled firms. The case of Pernigotti, now owned by the Toksöz Group, is used to illustrate these challenges, with the company's decision to move production to Turkey causing political and media uproar in Italy.

The article investigates the paradox of increasing trade between European companies, particularly Italian, and Turkey, despite the European Union's concerns over human rights abuses in Turkey. It highlights that while political leaders criticize Turkey's human rights record, businesses continue to invest and trade, driven by economic interests. Italian companies are deeply involved in Turkish mega-projects, and trade relations are flourishing. The article discusses the implications of Turkey's authoritarian turn for foreign investors and the potential risks to property rights. It also touches on the impact of Italy's recent elections and the rise of populist parties on Italian-Turkish relations. Despite the political rhetoric, economic and security needs are likely to keep the EU-Turkey relationship intact, although experts suggest that Turkey's disregard for the rule of law and diplomacy makes a healthy relationship challenging.

The article discusses the tension between Italy and Turkey over the decision by some Italian cities to grant honorary citizenship to Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Despite Turkey's dismissal of these gestures as legally insignificant, the issue was discussed during a meeting between Italian and Turkish officials. Italy maintains economic ties with Turkey, being its third most important trading partner and supporting Turkish accession to the EU. The article also touches on the complex Kurdish political landscape, with Freedom House's Nate Schenkkan noting that Öcalan represents only one faction of the Kurds. The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which has claimed over 30,000 lives, is also mentioned, as well as Turkey's offensive against the YPG in Afrin, Syria. The possibility of Öcalan playing a role in peace processes is suggested by journalist Amberin Zaman.