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The topic of European sanctions against Turkey is turning into an overnight thriller, with low expectations. The agreement on the bloc’s budget and the Recovery Fund may have excited the leaders of the member states, but the climate turned drastically cold when it came time to discuss Turkey.
According to European sources, the debate on Turkey began long before dinner, where according to the Summit calendar it would take place normally. Dinner was preceded by a 30 minute break. After this break, dinner started much later than planned, but with a climáticoμα climate theme.
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The only thing that was known of what was discussed about Turkey is a characteristic statement by Kyriakos Mitsotakis. According to diplomatic sources cited by Politico, the Greek prime minister said: “It is at least paradoxical that at a time when the United States prepares to impose sanctions on NATO member Turkey, the European Union is consumed with ‘yes’ and’ buts’. ».
This is a statement that shows both the climate and the direction of the problem with Turkey, something that was also evident before. The draft text of the conclusions essentially adopted the German position that wanted Ankara to “fall into the trap”, with sanctions against individuals and companies and only on the issue of the Cyprus EEZ.
The draft also states that EU leaders will reconsider the sanctions issue at the March 2021 Summit. According to the information, one of the reasons for this postponement is to reach an agreement with the new US President Biden.
Previously, government sources did not hide their dissatisfaction with the draft text. “We will work to improve the text of the conclusions.” Unfortunately, even today there are countries that do not want sanctions for Turkey, “said government sources.” For us, the credibility of the EU is at stake, “he added, referring to the statement made. by Mr. Mitsotakis when he arrived at the Summit at noon.
Indeed, Politico wrote that Greece was discussing organizing a special session on Europe-Turkey relations in February, but cited the statement of a “high-ranking diplomat” who at this time “does not see the need for such a thing.”
The two camps
Greece, Cyprus, France, Austria, Luxembourg, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and Denmark are in favor of imposing sanctions on Turkey.
In the run-up to the dinner, the Netherlands and Austria reportedly sent comments on the text of the conclusions, which speak of sanctions.
Germany, Italy, Spain, Malta, Poland and Hungary oppose the sanctions.
In the climate of reluctance over sanctions against Ankara, the Secretary General’s statements also added “fuel to the fire.” from NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, that Turkey is an “important ally” and is in favor of a “positive approach” towards our neighboring country.
What does Athens ask for?
At the dinner of “27”, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will ask the partners to assume their responsibilities and not go below the bar that they set last October. Furthermore, this message was sent by the Greek Prime Minister, upon arriving at the Summit, at noon.
Mr. Mitsotakis said that “now it will be seen if as Europe we are really credible in what we have agreed. Pacta sunt servanda (ss: Agreements must be respected)”.
On the issue of the Eastern Mediterranean, the stakes are very simple. It is the credibility of the European Union. In October we agreed that if Turkey continued its provocative behavior, there would be consequences. Pacta sunt servanda. #EUCO pic.twitter.com/KIDjdis38f
– Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) December 10, 2020
At the same time, the Prime Minister stressed that the credibility of the European Union is at stake and recalled that in October it was decided that if Turkey continues with its criminal behavior, there will be consequences.
Politico reported that Greece and Cyprus expressed dissatisfaction with the draft conclusions for Turkey. According to diplomatic sources, for Athens and Nicosia, March 2021 is considered a very long period, as they want to see a faster and stronger engagement from the EU.
German media: Is the imposition of sanctions a panacea or not?
Turkish economist and columnist Emre Delivelli was featured on German radio. According to Deutsche Welle, Deliveli estimated that the imposition of severe sanctions could put real pressure on the Turkish economy.
“The Turkish economy would be very vulnerable to strong European sanctions, given the close economic ties between the EU and Turkey. Half of Turkish exports go to the EU. There are also many European banks in Turkey. “Europeans make up the highest percentage of foreign tourists in Turkey.”
However, it is also difficult for the EU to choose the appropriate sanctions and it must be very careful not to harm the interests of European companies and banks operating in Turkey, Deliveli said. Furthermore, imposing financial sanctions on countries that follow controversial or illegal practices is not a panacea. They often affect the side that imposes them.
However, Emre Deliveli does not rule out a turn by Erdogan to the West.
“Erdogan may be trying to improve relations with the West, Europe and the United States, but not because of threatened sanctions, but because he realized that the economy is fragile and that money from abroad is needed to recover,” he said. “And this money can only come from the West, the United States and the EU. Expecting that from Russia, Qatar or China is not realistic.”
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