Europe EU does not rule out canceling talks with Turkey
In view of the developments in Turkey, the EU is not ruling out the possibility of canceling planned talks on expanding cooperation.
24.03.2025, 16:27
SDA
A spokesperson for the responsible European Commission made it clear in Brussels that it can no longer be assumed with certainty that the planned high-level meetings will actually take place.
He also referred to the fact that EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had described the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who has since been deposed, as "extremely worrying".
The planned consultations with Turkey had been announced by Ursula von der Leyen just a few days before Imamoglu's arrest. According to reports at the time, an EU-Turkey dialog on economic issues was prepared for April, as well as another on migration and security issues.
Turkey has a key role to play
The background to the plans was a mandate from the heads of state and government at a summit meeting in April 2024, at which it was agreed to strengthen relations with Turkey as much as possible - particularly because the country plays a key role in efforts to stabilize the eastern Mediterranean and solve migration problems.
Previously, projects such as the planned modernization of the customs union and visa liberalization had been put on hold due to setbacks in the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedom of expression in Turkey.
