On Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 October, the EU's foreign affairs ministers, and then its European affairs ministers, discussed the (complicated) relations between the EU and Turkey – a strategic partner and EU accession country. The heads of state or government are also to discuss this issue over dinner on 19 October.
"I will present the debate we had with the ministers (...) at the European Council (...) in order to reflect not only on the accession negotiation talks but also on foreign policy and the regional angle of our work with Turkey", High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini stated at the end of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (where Turkey was on the agenda over lunch). Turkey is a "regional actor that is crucial (for the EU) for many aspects, from regional crises to the fight against terrorism", she said, adding that this was an "important element to lay bare" with regard to the overall view of EU-Turkey relations.
"We need each other, but it is important to respect the rules and to respect human rights and the rule of law", Finland's Foreign Minister Timo Soini stated. European Commission for Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn took the same line. "Turkey is moving away from the EU (...) We are very concerned about the situation (in the country), but Turkey is a neighbour. There is an obligation to find ways to work together", he said.
According to a European source, on the issue of Turkey's EU accession, the position of the EU member states did not change during the discussion at the General Affairs Council. The member states have repeatedly criticised the human right situation in Turkey. Although they believe the accession process is a good channel of communication, the member states say that no accession chapter can be opened in the current circumstances. For Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, "the enlargement process, but also an agreement on the customs union and on visas" are "blocked". (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)