On Wednesday 5 July, MEPs said that they wanted to develop new relations with Turkey despite the fact that the situation the country in terms of human rights has deteriorated since the attempted coup d’état in July 2016.
Several MEPs therefore called for the suspension of accession negotiations if the amendments to the Constitution were effectively implemented. Renate Sommer (EPP, Germany) argued that the Council of the EU should therefore “demonstrate courage”. She added that, “accession is not envisaged. It is completely normal to request formal suspension. This does not mean ending negotiations but we will put an end to them if the constitutional changes are implemented”.
Alexander Graf Lambsdorff (ALDE, Germany) added, “We have to say it loudly and forcefully that there will be no exception because Turkey is not fulfilling the conditions”. He also said that he wanted the dialogue between the EU and Turkey to be replaced on a solid basis, which could involve visa liberalisation, energy questions, tourism or even customs union.
Many MEPs spoke on the question of modernising this customs union and created the impression that there were a number of differences on this issue. Ms Sommer, and Victor Bostinaru (Romania), speaking for the S&D, called for them to work on this modernisation, as did the rapporteur on Turkey Kati Piri (S&D, Netherlands), who said that this modernisation could have a positive effect and was, “perhaps the only lever for ensuring that the government commits to EU standards”. Bodil Valero, however, speaking on behalf of the Greens said, “It is unimaginable to continue negotiating, even a customs union, as long as human rights violations continue”. Édouard Ferrand (ENF, France) denounced the EU’s double speak opposing Turkey’s admission to the EU but continuing at an economic level and implementing a customs union. Mr Castaldo considered that visa liberalisation was “unrealistic”.
MEPs also offered their support to the Turkish people and civil society and paid homage, for example, to the thousands of Turkish citizens who are currently marching in Ankara and Istanbul to protest against the sentencing of an opposition MP for having revealed state secrets. Ben Belder (ECR, Netherlands) said that the citizens were “Open, courageous and deserve our support”. Mr Bostinaru added, “Our commitment remains total with regard to civil society and the opposition, who expect our support, not only with regard to their survival but also with regard to the preservation of what remains of democracy”. Kati Piri emphasised, “At the European Parliament we must stand shoulder to shoulder with those who believe in the same values as ours”.
Parliament should speak more forcefully
Earlier in the day during a press conference, Ms Piri criticised the attitude displayed by the Commission and member states and denounced their silence and inaction with regard to the situation in Turkey. She explained, “We are very worried about the lack of a strategy from the Commission and member states. They are waiting, praying and hoping that the situation itself improves. Some of them think that if we do not say anything, the problems will just vanish”.
As chance would have it with the calendar, the report on Turkey will actually be voted on this Thursday. The Commissioner for accession negotiations, Johannes Hahn, will at the same time be in Ankara, where he is expected to have number of meetings, including one with the Minister for European Affairs, Binali Yıldırım. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)