Lately, Turkish-German relations have been far from trouble-free. Chancellor Angela Merkel has grown frustrated with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a number of reasons, including: disputes over the visa requirements for Turks, the heated debate over the Armenian Genocide Resolution, and the Jan Böhmermann affair -- when satirical mockery of Turkey's president led to the prosecution of a German comic.
Following a failed attempt to overthrow the Turkish government and Erdogan's sharp reaction, Germany's relationship with Ankara is nearing collapse. Concerns are growing in Berlin and Brussels.
Generating particular concern in Germany and the EU is Erdogan's reported desires of bringing back the death penalty.
"We cannot ignore this demand," Erdogan told crowds rallied outside his residence this past weekend. "In democracies, whatever the people say has to happen."
Shortly after the coup attempt was squashed, "I want the death penalty" rose as a popular hashtag on Twitter throughout Turkey.
The death penalty was abolished in Turkey over two stages, in 2002 and 2004, as part of the nation's bid to join the EU. A return to the death penalty would throw Turkey's diplomatic standing back 10 years.
It's clear that if Erdogan's threats turn into concrete action, Germany will find it difficult to allow Turkey to stay in the EU.
"Germany and the member states of the EU have a clear position on that: we categorically reject the death penalty," government spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Monday.
So far, Erdogan has been a difficult negotiating partner. In the near future, he could become an uncontrollable radical -- and in effect jeopardize the future of the EU.
Despite the EU's unanimous condemnation of the attempted coup, Berlin and Brussels are on the brink of a new ice age with Ankara.
There are strong indications that Europe is heading towards major conflict with Turkey. So far, Erdogan has been a difficult negotiating partner. In the near future, he could become an uncontrollable radical -- and in effect jeopardize the future of the EU.
It's clear that the EU's relationship with Ankara poses more questions than answers. Some of those include: What will become of the refugee deal? What will happen next in the debate over the visa requirements for Turkish citizens? Has Erdogan forsaken the EU's requirements for reforms to Turkey's terror laws?
"If the EU and Berlin decide to get serious and break off the [border] entry negotiations with Turkey, then Erdogan can turn around and threaten sanctions. At which point Europe would be at risk of an escalation spiral," Thomas Jäger, professor of international politics and foreign policy at the University of Cologne, said in a conversation with HuffPost Germany.
The political scientist also predicts that Erdogan's "structural violence," and the projected escalation in repression will result in a new wave of refugees.
"A growing number of Turks will, in the coming weeks and months, notice that this country is no longer somewhere they want to or can live in," says Jäger.
Jäger's views have been informed by reports by members of Turkey's political opposition, who have expressed anxiety for their safety in the government crackdown following the failed coup.
Still, Jäger believes that the current situation won't necessarily lead to a break in Turkish-European relations. "Everything now strongly depends on how Erdogan responds to the EU's warnings. The ball is in his court," he said.
This post first appeared on HuffPost Germany. It has been translated into English and edited for clarity.