Alternatives for EU-Turkey relations?

Turkey’s EU accession process cannot resume under current circumstances, and new possible ways to cooperate should be explored through a “parallel and realistic framework”, according to the report adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) of the European Parliament which was approved on Tuesday, and which includes extended references to the Cyprus Problem.

The report, adopted by 47 votes in favor, no votes against, and 10 abstentions, underlines that unless there is a drastic change of course by the Turkish government, the country’s accession process cannot resume. The report will now be forwarded to the Plenary of the European Parliament, possibly in September.

The Cyprus News Agency learns that the report includes several references to the Cyprus Problem, beyond the original authority of support for a solution based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation.

The additions to the text, which were put forward as amendments by Cypriot and other MEPs, refer to the condemnation of Turkey’s recent support towards a two-state solution, as well as to the need for developing a more effective framework for the EU’s involvement in the Cyprus Problem.

Turkey is also criticized for its behavior and pressure imposed on the Turkish Cypriot community, including a call for the country to stop efforts to alter the demography of Cyprus.

“We have recently seen a renewed interest from the Turkish government in reviving the EU accession process”, said rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, Spain). “This will not happen as a result of geopolitical bargaining, but when Turkish authorities show real interest in stopping the continuous backsliding in fundamental freedoms and the rule of law."

"If the Turkish government is sincere in this they should show it with concrete reforms and actions,” he added.