#EU-Turkey: ALDE warns EU to re-asses the entire accession process of Turkey

The European Parliament discussed the status of Turkey's application. The Turkey progress report for 2015 was adopted by the European Parliament, however ALDE MEPs believes that the results of the report call on European Commission and Council to reassess the whole strategy behind the accession process negotiations with Ankara.  

German MEP, Alexander Lambsdorff, Vice President of the European Parliament and shadow rapporteur on Turkey, questions the opening of new chapters, especially in light of recent domestic developments: "The rule of law, press freedom and freedom of expression are core values of the European family and the liberal group. The Progress report makes this clear. Re-assessing the entire accession process, together with the demand to respect all life-styles, secular or religious, and the refusal to link the negotiation process with the refugee crisis, are among the most important messages to the Turkish government in this report.

"It is simply unacceptable to open new chapters when, at the same time, freedom of the media in Turkey is being restricted dramatically every day. Instead, Europe and Turkey urgently need an enhanced positive agenda with a focus on energy, foreign policy, civil society dialogue, trade and visa liberalisation. As liberals, we will continue to stand with civil society, helping democratic forces in Turkey to pursue their important work."

Marietje Schaake added: "For political reasons the European Commission delayed its critical report on Turkey. Commissioner Frans Timmermans, one of the main architects of the horse-trade approach to Turkey has even remained completely silent when rights were violated. Meanwhile Turkish papers have illegally been taken over, and journalists have been jailed. The EU should not be trading away values for an uncertain outcome. While we must work with Turkey to ensure refugees are properly sheltered, we must do so on its own merits, and not mix it with accession."

"Turkey’s respect for the rule of law and democracy are backsliding even further. People all over Europe and Turkey are disappointed in the cynical deal making. I am glad the Parliament rejects this questionable gamble and also calls upon the Commission and Council to reassess its strategy in the negotiations with Turkey."

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