Turkish voters' narrow approval of an executive presidency April 16 will weaken the separation of powers, render control mechanisms useless and significantly influence the direction of the country's foreign policies.

The disputed 51% “yes” vote can't contribute to building new bridges to Europe. The amendments contradict the spirit of European Union criteria. Allegations by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe that the voting was not just and transparent instantly produced a new breaking point in already-fragile Europe-Turkey relations. It certainly will not be easy for EU members to sustain their policy of keeping Turkey pacified.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been declaring his struggle against the West's "crusader mentality" and its local affiliates, and who increasingly relies on nationalist rhetoric, may feel confident enough to further endanger Turkey’s accession to EU membership. He already displayed an ominous sign of his mindset about the EU in his remarks about reinstating capital punishment in Turkey as he was delivering his victory speech after the vote.

The referendum, which gives rise to fresh debate with the West, is also likely to affect Turkey's relations with the East, especially the Middle East.