Weber: Turkey should refuse to join the EU

Turkey should abandon the EU accession process. This was proposed by the leader of the parliamentary group of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament, Manfred Weber. He believes that the time has come for a “common new beginning”.

Following the re-election of Turkish President Recep Erdogan, EPP leader Manfred Weber spoke in favor of ending Turkey’s EU accession process. He said that recent years have shown that a close partnership is important, but “neither Turkey nor the EU” want Turkey to become a full member of the EU.

“We have to postpone this process because it blocks better relations more than it supports them,” the German politician told the “Funke Mediengruppe” newspaper.

According to Weber, the right moment has come “for a common new beginning between the EU and Turkey on a realistic basis”.

“The expectations after Erdoğan’s election victory are clear. Especially regarding the goal of peace between Ukraine and Russia, migration policy, economic modernization, and the Cyprus issue, we need cooperation. Now Erdoğan must immediately agree to Sweden’s membership in NATO Weber said, BNR reported.

The EU and Turkey began accession talks in 2005. However, according to the European Council, they stalled in 2018 after Turkey took a step back on democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.