The European Union “is prepared to use all tools at its disposal” to change the behavior of Turkey, according to Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, Ahval reports.
The Belgian politician says he remains “cautious” vis-a-vis Ankara’s intentions, and he notes that the challenges of authoritarian states to the Western alliance are constantly growing.
According to Charles Michel, EU had the opportunity to express a very strong, united position to the Turkish authorities. We had prepared in close coordination with the 27 member-states and especially with Greece and Cyprus.
“We sent a very clear message: We are ready for a more positive agenda, but this is conditional, proportional and reversible. This means that it will only be implemented if there is progress in different areas – especially in Greek-Turkish relations, on the Cyprus settlement, on human rights. It will depend on Turkey’s behavior,” Charles Michel says.
“But in the past we have observed that Turkey can take one step forward followed by two steps back. So we are not naive. Turkey is a neighbor, it is a NATO member, but it is fundamental for the EU to make sure that the country adopts a more positive stance towards the common European interest – among others in places like Libya, Syria and the Caucasus. Turkey’s stance in these conflicts in the past was not in line with Europe’s interest. We are ready to use all the tools at our disposal to influence Turkey’s behavior,” Michel states.
