When EU-Turkish relations, particularly Turkey's EU membership process, are in question, our non-German addressees in Brussels used to convey so-called confidential information to us. During the talks, when this very important secret was to be explained, they would lower their voices and say that Germany is the one leading objection to Turkey's EU membership, and Turkey's main problem is Germany.

In Brussels, Turks have been told for many years that Germany constituted an impassable obstacle hindering Turkey's EU membership.

Since we, as Turks, have always been aware of the facts regarding the EU, we have always been cognizant of Germany's role in that.

The fact that Germany posed one of the most challenging obstacles in Turkey's EU path has never remained a secret.

Despite their persuasive positions stemming from historic hostilities, Greek Cyprus, or Greece actually, acted as the middleman for the countries that have the genuine authority regarding Turkey's EU membership. It was possible to tell tales to Turkey for years thanks to Greek Cyprus and Greece's vetoes.

But only children believe in tales.

Despite being aware of everything all along, Ankara has determinedly made progress as part of its goal to join the EU. The country has always aspired to fulfill its responsibilities in this scope.

However, the current agenda indicates that there have been some changes recently. Germany, which was referred to as an impassable obstacle for Turkey in the context of EU membership and visa requirements, has been issuing some statements lately regarding Turkey that can set an example for the entire EU.

When I was a member of European Parliament, a German commissary who was then a member of the European Commission, said: "You have to walk over my dead body for Turkey's membership," in a closed-door meeting of the parliamentary group I was a member of. I have never forgotten that. Now, this former commissary is acting as an adviser for a Turkey-based nongovernmental organization in order to contribute to the membership process. What strides we have made.

It would be useful if some EU countries, European Parliament members and particularly some its members from Germany, who are notorious for their hostility to Turkey, pay attention to the latest statements issued by Germany. Moreover, the people making those statements represent the same parties as some of those hostile to Turkey in the European Parliament.

Recently, Germany's Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Gerd Müller criticized the EU as follows: "Turkey has been engaging in extraordinary endeavors to accept Syrian refugees. Now, EU countries are required to keep their promise in this regard."

He was right in his remarks. It is meaningful that this statement came from a minister from the German federal government rather than a Turkish authority. In an interview he gave to Bild am Sonntag, Müller expressed the necessity to stop the migrant influx to Europe, adding that about 8 million to 10 million people must still be on the road since only 10 percent of the refugees leaving Syria and Iraq have reached Europe so far.

When a journalist biased to Turkey asked him whether Turkey is keeping its promise regarding stopping the flow of refugees, Müller said: "Turkey has been engaging in extraordinary endeavors to accept Syrian refugees. However, it is about to exceed its capacity to do more. Therefore, Turkey needs our support. Now, EU countries are required to keep their promise in this regard. The 3 billion euros in aid promised to be funded in November is not ready yet." In a more explicit manner, he also added: "External borders cannot be protected. The Schengen has collapsed. Fair relocation of refugees cannot be performed," clearly referring to the EU's defects.

This message was specifically addressed to the EU public, which has been suffering from the refugee crisis. He emphasized that the EU itself is the main entity in charge of the problems EU citizens have.

At a reception in Mainz, Germany three days ago, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who advocates providing the promised financial aid to Ankara, emphasized that the aid is essential to overcome the refugee crisis. "Turkey has accepted more than 2 million refugees. So, what has the EU done in this respect, of which the population is more than 500 million?" she asked. By asking such a question she revealed the EU's attitude regarding the refugee issue, which contradicts the EU's founding principles. Merkel and Müller have touched on a subject that Turkey has the right to express.

Regardless of whether the EU will fund Turkey or not, Ankara has been implementing a policy regarding refugees that will set an example for all of Europe, and has already spent 10 billion euros for it while some EU countries unabashedly regard the 3 billion euros of aid as a problem.

Enough has been said so far. Now it is the EU's turn to perform its duty and keep its promises.

And Germany has explicitly articulated this before Turkey has said anything.