On Wednesday 13 September, the European Parliament took the view that unless there was a radical change on the part of the Turkish government, Turkey’s accession process could not be resumed.
In the report by Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, Spanish), which they adopted (434 votes in favour, 18 against and 152 abstentions), MEPs call on Ankara, the EU and its Member States to break the current deadlock and move towards a “closer, more dynamic and more strategic” partnership. To this end, they recommend launching a process of reflection to find a “parallel and realistic” framework for EU-Turkey relations that encompasses the interests of all parties concerned. The European Parliament therefore calls on the Commission to study the possible formats for establishing a “mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive process, such as a modernised association agreement”.
The European Parliament also points out that Turkey remains a candidate for EU membership even if negotiations are frozen, a NATO ally and an essential partner in the areas of security, trade and economic relations and migration. It welcomes Ankara’s efforts to continue welcoming 4 million refugees.
As in previous years, the European Parliament denounces the human rights situation and the rule of law in the country, saying it is “dismayed by the fact that the negative trend is far from being halted or reversed and that the backward slide in democracy in Turkey has continued over the last year”. It also reiterates its call for Turkey to demonstrate a genuine commitment to good neighbourly relations.
While welcoming Turkey’s efforts to facilitate talks between Ukraine and Russia, MEPs stressed the high risk of sanctions against Russia being circumvented via Turkey and Ankara’s non-alignment with European sanctions.
See the report: https://aeur.eu/f/8jo (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)