The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stressed on Wednesday 24 June, during a visit to Greece, “the need of re-establishing a minimum trust and dialogue with Turkey in order to stop this escalation” and return to “a certain normality”. A position repeated more laxly on 25 June, during his visit to Cyprus.
In recent months, Turkey has increased its overflights over Greek territory and continues its illegal drilling activities in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus. According to Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides, Turkey has carried out six illegal drillings in less than 1 year. The Minister also recalled Ankara's destabilising activities in the region.
“The EU and Turkey have a great interest in improving their relations. (...) We need to seek appeasement to stop this dynamic and transform it into a relationship anchored in a common agenda, strengthening cooperation on all issues of common interest”, the High Representative pleaded from Greece. He said he was “willing and ready” to encourage and contribute to an “honest and comprehensive dialogue” with Turkey.
Mr Christodoulides took a harder line, arguing that respect for the sovereign rights of states and the cessation of illegal activities were prerequisites for “meaningful engagement” with Turkey. He added that he had discussed with the High Representative the specific means by which, in the event of an escalation on the part of Turkey, “the EU would respond firmly and decisively implementing and enhancing its existing decisions” within the framework of the sanctions regime already approved by the Council (see EUROPE 12435/4).
Relations with Turkey will be discussed at the next Foreign Affairs Council on 13 July and could be discussed, if necessary, at the European Council, according to Mr Borrell. He explained that the discussion among Ministers should help to clarify options and the way forward in the relationship.
Borders
Mr Borrell also raised with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias the issue of Greece's borders with Turkey, which the EU is determined to “protect”, according to the High Representative.
Dendias accused Turkey of having reopened its borders to let migrants into the EU, as it had done at the end of February, and said Turkish coastguards “are escorting boats loaded with migrants to the Greek islands”, AFP reported.
Turkey reacted to these comments on Thursday 25 June and accused Athens of “human rights violations”. These statements “are another example of Greece's efforts to cover up its human rights violations and crimes against (...) It is unfortunate that the European Commission is complicit”, Turkish diplomacy spokesman Hami Aksoy reacted Thursday. “We call on the EU and Greece to respect the rights of migrants instead of making accusations against our country”, he added. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant and Solenn Paulic)