Tensions have been running high since last year after Turkey began to drill into the eastern Mediterranean Sea. According to Cyprus and Greece, Turkey would not respect the territorial integrity of other countries.
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The illegal drilling activities have since been halted and Ankara has renewed talks with the two countries, yet Euro-Turkish relations have by no means normalized. Last week, the Union reacted very sharply to the Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention on Women’s Rights and the persecution of pro-Kurdish politicians in their own country.
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At the European summit last Thursday, the 27 EU leaders declared their willingness to “further strengthen the more positive momentum” and intensify cooperation with Turkey in a number of areas. For example, it concerns an update of the 25-year-old customs union and better cooperation in the field of migration. However, the EU27 remains concerned about the rule of law and fundamental rights in Turkey, which remain “a major concern”.
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