“An important step for Europe. This opens the way for the imposition of sanctions against Turkey“. With this phrase, the Deputy Chairman of the Commission Margaritis Schinas mentioned EU reportat a meeting he held in Brussels with the regional governor of Thessaly, Kostas Agorastos.

EU “Red Card” in Turkey for overflights and threats against Greece, Cyprus

Recall that the text of E.E. contains clear references to Turkey and its relation to Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. There is a clear reference to flights over the Greek islands, direct rhetorical threats to Greek sovereignty, while indicating that the EU. “has a strategic interest in developing cooperation and mutually beneficial relations with Turkey”, but again calls to avoid any threat that could damage good neighborly relations.

In particular, among other things, it states: “After some positive developments in 2021, relations with the EU deteriorated in the first half of 2022 due to repeated violations of Greek airspace by Turkish fighters in the Aegean Sea and Turkish threatening statements regarding the sovereignty of the Greek islands and against Cyprus. In addition, Turkey continued to conduct military exercises in the maritime zone of Cyprus, and Turkish warships illegally obstructed research activities in the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Despite international condemnation, Turkey went ahead with its plan to reopen the closed region of Varosia. Tensions in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean have not contributed to good neighborly relations and undermined regional stability and security.”

It is recalled that “the EU, most recently at the European Council in June 2022, has repeatedly called on Turkey to avoid any threat, create any source of friction or take any action that is detrimental to good neighborly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

There are also very serious objections to the internal situation in Turkey. It is noted, in particular, that in recent years, “the Turkish government has not reversed the negative trend towards reforms, despite repeated commitments to join the EU.”

“Serious concerns of the EU. about the continued deterioration of democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights and the independence of the judiciary were not considered. In many areas there has been a further setback. Concerns about economic governance and the proper functioning of a market economy have intensified,” the ministry added.

Enlargement Commissioner: Turkey will respect the sovereignty of all member states

Turkey must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU member states, said Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Oliver Varelli, addressing the European Parliament on the report of the Commission.

“Despite the EU proposal. to engage constructively with Turkey, tensions with some Member States have risen again in 2022. In June 2022, the European Council expressed its deep concern over Turkey’s recent repeated actions and statements. He reaffirmed that Turkey must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States, and emphasized that the European Council expects Turkey to fully comply with international law, reduce tensions in the interests of regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, promote good neighborly relations in a sustainable way,” stressed Mr. Vareli.

Ankara’s annoyance

They shot at her European Commission launched Turkey, about reports about Ankara in the Enlargement Commission report. The Turkish Foreign Ministry spoke of an exhibition without a vision and prejudice against Ankara.

According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the European Commission report “reflects the illegal and maximalist views of Greeks and Greek Cypriots on issues Eastern Mediterraneanfrom the Aegean sea And her Cyprus“.

“The EU is not an international judicial body that decides on issues of maritime jurisdiction,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry asserts, Anadolu news agency reports, while accusing the Commission of ignoring the positions of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots, “revealing whose interests it occupies.” record.”