Following a strategic debate on EU-Turkey relations at the summit on 17 and 18 April, the European Council is expected to call for “work to be taken forward” on the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative on the state of EU-Turkey political, economic and trade relations.
This should be done “in line with previous European Council conclusions and in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner subject to additional guidance from the European Council as needed”, according to a draft of the conclusions dated 8 April obtained by Agence Europe.
In their joint communication published on 29 November 2023 (see EUROPE 13303/18), the European Commission and the EU High Representative called for the development of a mutually beneficial partnership between the EU and Turkey.
In its conclusions, the European Council is expected to reiterate that the EU attaches “considerable importance” to the resumption and progress of negotiations on the Cyprus settlement, “which can also enhance cooperation between the EU and Turkey”.
It should therefore state that it is “fully committed” to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the framework of the United Nations, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the principles on which the EU is founded and the acquis. The European Council should also stress that “the European Union is ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal”.
See the draft conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/bnu (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant with Mathieu Bion)