The report is a blow to the neighboring country in terms of its performance in the field of human rights and the rule of law, but also in terms of its provocation towards Greece and Cyprus.
Voted a few hours ago, with an overwhelming majority of 448 votes in favor against 67 against and 107 abstentionsthis year’s European Parliament (EC) report on Turkey’s 2021 accession process.
The report is a blow to the neighboring country in terms of its performance in the field of human rights and the rule of law, but also in terms of in its provocation against Greece and Cyprus.
In particular, through a storm of 54 sub-points of criticism and remarks, it is emphasized, among other things, that the slide in Turkey’s accession process continues, as democracy, the rule of law and its fundamental rights are falling behind, a fact which MEPs express. worries.
As the European Parliament said in a statement, without clear and significant progress on reforms, Parliament could not consider resuming accession negotiations, MEPs warn.
In particular, MEPs stress that, despite repeated statements by Turkey on its goal of joining the EU, the last two years have seen a steady setback in its commitments.
Parliament welcomes the recent slight improvement in EU – Turkey relations, in particular with regard to high – level dialogues. Unfortunately, this enhanced cooperation coexists with regular conflicts, as relations with the EU’s neighboring Member States remain a challenge, MEPs say.
The report also notes the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Turkey. The EP regrets the ongoing legal and administrative pressure exerted by the Turkish government on civil society and human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists, and calls on the Commission to provide adequate support for pro-democracy efforts in Turkey.
Condemnation of provocative behavior towards Greece and Cyprus
MEPs point out that, despite some signs of de-escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean in the run-up to the latest EP report on Turkey, there has recently been a new upsurge and regrets recent statements by Turkish officials questioning Greek sovereignty over some which are counterproductive and undermine the security environment in the region. Reiterating the call on all parties to make a sincere collective effort to negotiate the boundaries of the EEZs and the continental shelf in the region on the basis of good faith and international rules, condemn the harassment of research vessels within the Greek Cypriot EEZ, as well as the Greek airspace, including overflights. Welcomes Turkey’s contribution to ensuring adequate gas supply through interconnection of pipelines “Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP)” and “Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)” and reiterate their support for the European Council proposal for a multilateral conference on the Eastern Mediterranean, stressing that the Green Agreement provides important opportunities for achieving cooperative, sustainable and inclusive energy solutions.
In addition, MEPs deplore the fact that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved and strongly reiterate that a solution in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and within the international legal framework is the only viable solution. They call on Ankara to abandon its unacceptable proposal for a “two-state solution”, to withdraw its troops from Cyprus and to refrain from any unilateral actions that will consolidate the permanent division of the island, as well as from actions that alter the demographic of balance.
They also condemn the signing of the so-called economic and financial protocol between Turkey and the government-controlled areas of Cyprus. but also its stance on continuing to violate UN Security Council resolutions on the transfer of Varos to its legal residents. They call on Turkey to give the Turkish Cypriot community the space it needs to act in accordance with its role as a legal community on the island, and also on the Commission to step up its efforts to reach out to the community, recalling its position in the EU.
Turkey’s objections to Sweden, Finland joining NATO
MEPs call on the Turkish government to respond to Finland and Sweden’s applications for NATO membership in good faith, to participate constructively in efforts to resolve outstanding issues in line with EU values ​​and legal requirements, and to refrain from exercising undue pressure during this process. In these serious circumstances, it is important for all NATO allies to act proactively and to ratify the two countries’ accession protocols quickly.
The importance of close EU – Turkey co – operation in the field of foreign and security policy
However, MEPs welcome Turkey’s willingness to act as mediator emphasize the vital importance of good EU-Turkey cooperation in the field of foreign and security policy in the current difficult times and thank Ankara for its stable alignment with NATO and the EU.
The report praises Turkey’s efforts to continue to host the world’s largest refugee population and notes the continued provision of EU funding for this purpose, which MEPs pledge to maintain in the future. They also support the Commission’s proposal to start negotiations on updating a mutually beneficial customs union, but warn that Parliament will only support a final agreement if the necessary democratic conditions for human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are met. good neighborly relations.
In conclusion, Parliament states that it can not, at this stage, justify changing its position on the formal suspension of accession negotiations with Turkey, which are virtually deadlocked from 2018. “Openly defying the binding decisions of the European Parliament Court of Human Rights in relation to his case Osman Kavala “others, the current Turkish government has deliberately shattered any expectations for the resumption of the EU accession process in the current circumstances,” the report said.
“In these difficult times, it is more important than ever to remember that values ​​and principles, which are at the heart of any EU accession process, cannot be abandoned because of a geopolitical emergency. That is why Parliament, and I hope that all the EU institutions will do the same, will not remain silent in the face of the current authoritarian vicious circle in the country. Instead of regaining the lost trust, which is a necessary asset in EU-Turkey relations, we are losing more now: The irresponsible veto in NATO and the growing tensions with EU Member States are worrying signs for the near future marked by an election campaign. situation in the country. “If there is no change, I think it will be difficult for the accession process to survive for another five years.” said the rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor (Socialists, Spain)
