From EP to Erdoğan: You cannot sit and wait while situation in Turkey is deteriorating!

 

MEPs vote on plans to suspend accession talks with Turkey should controversial changes to its constitution go ahead. ☪ ⚠ ⛔ The Parliament speaks with one, clear and loud voice in condemning the Turkish government’s serious decline in democratic standards, and continues to support the Turkish population – millions of whom would like to continue to see the EU as an anchor for reforms in their country. ☪ ⚠ ⛔ Taking note of the outcome of Turkey’s recent referendum and the expansion of presidential powers, the resolution calls on the EU Commission and the EU national governments “to formally suspend the accession negotiations with Turkey without delay if the constitutional reform package is implemented unchanged. ☪ ⚠ ⛔ The resolution also recognises the importance of good EU-Turkey relations and maintaining a constructive and open dialogue, which is key to addressing common challenges, such as migration, security or terrorism. MEPs support upgrading the EU-Turkey Customs Union, asking for human rights and fundamental freedoms to be a part of a new agreement. ☪ ⚠ ⛔ The Parliament is planning to send an ad-hoc delegation to Ankara in the autumn with the aim of renewing parliamentary dialogue. ☪ ⚠ ⛔ The resolution was approved by 477 votes to 64, with 97 abstentions.

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