In a debate with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on Thursday 9 July, MEPs from all political groups called on the European Union to take a tougher stance against Turkey.
Non-respect for human rights, tensions with Cyprus and Greece, a role deemed destabilising in the eastern Mediterranean, but also in Libya and Syria... There are many grounds for grievances, according to members.
“Too often, Turkey goes against our interests. It is not diplomatic language that should be used, what we expect from you is the language of firmness”, Nathalie Loiseau (Renew Europe, France) told Mr Borrell, summarising the thinking of many of her colleagues. Thus, for Hilde Vautmans (Renew Europe, Belgium), “there will be no improvement in relations as long as Turkey does not change course and is not ready for serious reforms”.
Assita Kanko (ECR, Belgium), for her part, called for a change of strategy. “If we can't be friends, let's do like Turkey and have a relationship based on deals”, she proposed, adding that with a friend like Ankara, who needs enemies?
A change also called for by Manfred Weber (EPP, Germany). “A new chapter of the Partnership should be opened”, he said, calling on the EU not to be “naive” in the face of “this partner who does not play the game”. “We have the means to respond and the customs union is one of those levers”, he warned. The updating of this customs union is currently suspended.
For EPP Cypriot MEP Leftéris Christofórou, if the EU does not take effective and determined action now, “it will be too late and we will have to face the consequences”. He therefore requested the termination of the pre-accession fund payments to Turkey. These funds are currently limited and mainly devoted to civil society.
If Ankara's illegal actions against Greece and Cyprus continue, the EU will have to respond “in full solidarity” with these two Member States, added Tonino Picula (S&D, Croatia). Cypriot Giórgos Georgíou (GUE/NGL) went even further, arguing that “without strong sanctions and a permanent solution to regional problems, Turkey will threaten Europe itself”.
In response to these remarks, the High Representative reiterated his position (see EUROPE 12522/23). “We have a lot of issues that need to be resolved. This can be done through dialogue and negotiation, with firmness, but avoiding the escalation of tensions”, he explained, adding that the current negative trend in relations must be stopped and reversed. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)