EU asks Erdogan to remove obstacles to membership process

The final declaration adopted by the 27 EU member states meeting in Brussels on Thursday evening said that “The rule of law and fundamental rights in Turkey continue to be a major concern.”

“Targeting political parties, human rights defenders and the media is a significant violation of human rights and is against Turkey’s obligations to respect democracy, the rule of law and women’s rights. Dialogue remains an integral part of the relationship between the EU and Turkey,” it said.

CYPRUS ISSUE

The European leaders emphasized their commitment to “the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bi-communal federation with equal political rights in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.”

Cyprus has been divided in two since the Turkish state’s invasion in 1974. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Ankara.

CUSTOMS UNION

The EU leaders asked the European Commission to prepare for the update of the Customs Union between Turkey and the EU.

MONETARY AID

The European Commission has proposed to give 5.7 billion euros by 2024 to assist Syrian refugees in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. A 3.5-billion-euro aid package is proposed to be given to Turkey. According to the final declaration, the EU gave 535 million euros in order to continue its actions in Turkey in 2021.

The EU had previously introduced an aid package of more than 6 billion euros within the framework of the refugee agreement with Ankara.

“The proposal was not approved at the summit, but the Commission agreed that the money should come from the common budget and not from the member states, and now discussions will begin about the methods of financing,” a European diplomat said.