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A two-day summit of heads of state and government of the EU member states is taking place.
We have a dual strategy. On the one hand, we want to give political dialogue an opportunity and, on the other, we express our determination to defend our values. We also reiterate our solidarity with Greece and Cyprus, said Charles Michel, President of the European Council, at a press conference on Friday morning. He stressed that the EU was ready to participate in setting a more positive agenda, provided that Turkey also wanted to participate. However, if a common denominator cannot be reached with Ankara, the EU is also ready to use all means at its disposal in the event of further unilateral actions or Turkish provocations in violation of international law. The European Council remains fully committed to a comprehensive solution to the debate, Michel said. The leaders of the Member States will return in December to the question of how they intend to shape relations with Turkey.
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, described the start of a dialogue between the Greek and Turkish parties as a step in the right direction at the press conference. However, she found it regrettable that Ankara had not made a similar gesture to Nicosia. Conflicts can only be resolved through peaceful dialogue and respect for international law. According to her, the EU wants to maintain a long-term and forward-looking relationship with Turkey, strengthen bilateral trade and migration cooperation, among other things, but all this is only possible if Turkey abandons its provocative activities.
Leaving the first business day of the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron said: Europe cannot resume dialogue with Turkey while allowing it to cross the line of steps that are still acceptable. We need to show our strength and determination as we work against the escalation of the conflict, said the French head of state. He was informed that all the negotiators had made concessions to ensure that the adopted text was the best. The EU is sending a very clear and strong signal to Turkey on Greece and Cyprus, and has called for dialogue, the politician said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that the European Union needs to completely review its relations with Turkey.
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