Syrian refugees streaming into Europe, the need to combat the Islamic State (IS) and the uncertainties set in motion by Russia’s military intervention in Syria have increased President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s value to European leaders.

This became apparent during Erdogan’s state visit to Brussels Oct. 4-6 at the invitation of Belgian King Philippe. During the visit, Erdogan also spoke with the presidents of the European Council, European Commission and European Parliament, who had Syria high on the agenda.

Erdogan’s visit took place against the backdrop of stalled negotiations in Turkey’s bid for EU membership due to some member states’ opposition to having a predominantly Muslim country in the union. Turkey's foot-dragging on democratic reforms and backpedaling under Erdogan’s watch on some reforms introduced in the past have also put Ankara’s EU bid in the doldrums.

Criticism by EU leaders of Erdogan’s authoritarian and undemocratic ways was nevertheless muted during his Brussels visit, because the main effort on the EU side was to entice Turkey to help alleviate Europe’s refugee crisis.