EU leaders agree on extension sanctions against Turkey | Abroad

The difficult and politically sensitive relationship of the EU with Turkey was discussed at length at the summit in Brussels. Turkey is officially still a candidate country for the EU, a NATO ally and an important partner in managing refugee and migrant flows.

In recent months, the country has repeatedly acted provocatively towards the EU, not only with the drilling but also in Cyprus itself. Turkey wants to re-use the once fashionable seafront in the district of Varosha, which has been sealed off since the Turkish invasion in 1974, to the anger of the Greek Cypriots. In their conclusions, the 27 explicitly condemn this unilateral move and support resumption of negotiations under the umbrella of the United Nations to reverse the division. The last attempt to do so failed in 2017.

The EU is also reaching out to Turkey. She says she is willing to continue to contribute to the reception of refugees from Syria and to work together to “responsibly” manage migrant flows and step up efforts to combat smugglers’ networks.

EU foreign chief Josep Borrell is asked to prepare a report on the state of political, economic and trade relations between the EU and Turkey, and to suggest options on how to proceed with the country.

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