Debate: Report on Türkiye
Date: TUESDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 2023
Speaker: Olivér Várhelyi
Language: EN

Our relations with Türkiye are key for us. Türkiye remains a candidate country, a NATO ally, a close neighbour and a key partner for stability and security of the Middle East, the South Caucasus and the Black Sea regions. We stood by the people of Türkiye when it came to the devastating earthquake or the increased irregular migration flows and we are partners in these times when we see movements of geopolitics around us and around Türkiye. To ensure our collective prosperity and regional stability, the establishment of a steadfast and secure Eastern Mediterranean, therefore, is of utmost importance. The post-earthquake period has seen a reduction in tensions between Greece and Türkiye, which is welcome, and we hope that this will continue and will create a new basis for peace and stability. In that context, progress on the Cyprus issue is also indispensable, as it was emphasised by the June European Council conclusions. We condemn the assault on the UN peacekeepers by Turkish Cypriot personnel and the Turkish Cypriot side must respect the UN mission’s mandate in the buffer zone and refrain from any actions that escalate tensions. De-escalation is critical. We support efforts for a swift resumption of the UN-led settlement discussions and of course, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. At the same time, we also noted some achievement and a space for renewed engagement. First, we’re very pleased to see that new association agreements for Türkiye’s participation in the Digital Europe Programme and the Single Market Programme were concluded. The participation in these programmes will facilitate investment and will give direct benefit for citizens and businesses across the country. Second, the Türkiye investment platform, which we have launched last year, is fully operational by now. We have committed already EUR 370 million out of the EU budget as a guarantee to leverage public and private investments of at least EUR 2 billion. These investments will reinforce our economic ties, but also create growth and jobs in Türkiye and in the EU. And this should also catalyse the digital and green transition in Türkiye. Third, we have demonstrated solidarity after the devastating earthquake of last February. The Commission was quick to mobilise international partners to support the reconstruction and the Commission will ensure that full mobilisation of the EUR 1 billion EU pledge takes place swiftly. We have already implemented EUR 150 million in humanitarian aid. We have also finalised another package of EUR 417 million for earthquake relief and reconstruction. And we are not only hopeful but also determined to deliver on the rehabilitation and reconstruction effort through the EU Solidarity Fund, which was requested by Türkiye at the level of EUR 400 million. Therefore, we need this House to swiftly approve the proposal to mobilise the fund in favour of Türkiye. Fourth, on migration: we remain grateful for the work of Türkiye hosting four million refugees from Syria for a number of years now. By now, the EU has been bringing in EUR 10 billion of support. I just signed a flagship project of EUR 781 million, which provides cash to cover the basic needs of two million refugees in Türkiye. Looking ahead, we must be aware that continued EU assistance is essential, also beyond 2023. The Commission is committed to continue the significant European support to refugees and host communities in Türkiye fit for the current realities on the ground and as a major investment in stability and security with appropriate level of financial assistance and with overall objectives to be discussed in the European Council and consulted with Türkiye in due course. The Commission calls on the budgetary authorities to ensure the necessary financial assistance that allows our continued engagement. We welcome Türkiye’s support to Ukraine and its territorial integrity, as well as Türkiye’s efforts to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which plays an important role in ensuring global food security. It is essential that Türkiye remains engaged with the EU also on the implementation of sanctions against Russia, in particular as regards the sanctioned products. On the domestic front, as you know, the Commission has issued its annual assessment last October. It has been found that Türkiye has continued to move away from the EU with backsliding in the area of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights. In line with the decision of the European Council, the accession negotiations with Türkiye remain at a standstill. Türkiye’s refusal to implement the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights is particularly troubling. Dialogue on such issues remains an integral part of the EU-Türkiye relationship. The Commission will soon publish published this year’s annual report and we will equally keep on supporting civil society, human rights and democracy, including through our substantial assistance via civil society organisations with an ongoing portfolio of EUR 87 million.