Enlargement and Foreign Affairs

EU-Turkey relations really defrost or dive into just deep frost?

President Ursula von der Leyen plans a trip to Turkey to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after the European Union Summit. EU published a statement after a videoconference between President von der Leyen and President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday.

Erdogan slams Biden over ‘killer’ Putin comment and quits European Treaty on Violence Against Women. At the same time President von der Leyen discussed the possibility of her visiting Turkey as ties defrost. Is it really a defrost or just a deep frost?

EU-Turkey relations wait Turkey′s Erdogan

On 9 March 2020, Presidents Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen met President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Brussels. The leaders discussed bilateral relations, the implementation of the EU-Turkey statement on migration, security and stability in the region and the crisis in Syria. On 18 June 2019 the General Affairs Council adopted conclusions on enlargement and stabilisation and association process, covering Turkey.

On 20 June 2019 the European Council endorsed the conclusions. The meeting followed the visit of President Michel to Ankara on 4 March 2020. Leaders discussed security issues in the region, especially in Syria. President Michel stressed that the EU would support any political solution which could bring about greater stability.

The last meeting of the Accession Conference with Turkey at ministerial level was held on 30 June 2016. The conference opened negotiations on Chapter 33, on financial and budgetary provisions. 

Turkey and the EU need to work on the full implementation of the EU-Turkey statement on migration in order to de-escalate the situation.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council (09/03/2020)

Joint EU press release for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Ahead of the March European Council, President von der Leyen and President Michel had a videoconference today Friday 19 March 2021 with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Turkey.

They discussed the follow up to the December European Council, the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the forthcoming Cyprus settlement talks, and the state of play of EU-Turkey relations. 

The EU side underlined the importance of sustained de-escalation and of further strengthening confidence building. Only this will allow for a more positive EU-Turkey agenda. The Presidents also exchanged views on the situation of Syrian refugees hosted in Turkey, as well as the wider regional situation including Libya and Syria. They also discussed a possible visit to Turkey following the March European Council.

eudebates President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan politics

EUdebates Team

SHARE your ideas online and JOIN us for a better Europe. eudebates! Your opinion counts! eudebates.tv The unique initiative aiming to promote debate, dialogue, knowledge, participation and communication among citizens.

Recent EU debates

Watch State of the Union live: Ursula von der Leyen gives 2022 address #SOTEU

President Ursula von der Leyen debates priorities ahead of hard winter at the State of the European Union #SOTEU at…

2 years ago

EU steps up solidarity with refugees fleeing Ukraine

More than two million refugees have now been forced to flee their homes in Ukraine to find safety in neighbouring…

2 years ago

REPowerEU to get rid of the dependencies of Russian fossil fuel

The European Commission proposed an outline of a plan to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels well before 2030, starting with gas, in…

2 years ago

EU sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine

In response to Russian President Putin’s unprecedented and unprovoked military attack against Ukraine, the EU is responding by adopting a…

2 years ago

Finland: NATO membership ‘will change’ after Russian invasion

Finish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will change the debate around NATO membership within her country.…

2 years ago

EU responds to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with massive sanctions

EU leaders held a joint press conference with NATO Secretary-General sending the message that the world can see that unity…

2 years ago

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.