The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, said on Thursday 19 November that relations between the EU and Turkey had reached a watershed.
“It is important for Turkey to understand that its behaviour is widening its separation from the EU”, the High Representative said after a video conference of EU foreign ministers, adding that this view was shared by them.
According to Borrell, for the time being, there were no positive signs from Ankara. He also described the President's visit to Varosha and his statements there as “very negative” (see EUROPE 12602/21).
The High Representative therefore considered that a return to a positive agenda with the EU, as desired by the latter, required a “fundamental change of attitude” on the part of Ankara. “Time is running out and we are approaching a watershed moment in our relationship with Turkey”, he warned.
The European Council on 10 and 11 December is due to consider, once again, the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and may agree on measures against Turkey. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)