EU warns Turkey of sanctions for ‘provocations’ in the Mediterranean

The EU says it could impose sanctions on Turkey for “provocations and pressures” followed with Greece over energy resources and maritime borders.

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called on Ankara to “refrain from unilateral actions” in the eastern Mediterranean.

He spoke early Friday during a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels.

Tensions escalated earlier this year when Turkey sent a ship to a disputed area to search for potentially rich oil and gas deposits.

Ms Von der Leyen told reporters that the EU wanted “a positive and constructive relationship with Turkey and this would also greatly benefit Ankara.”

“But it will only work if the provocations and pressures stop,” he said. “Therefore, we expect Turkey from now on to refrain from unilateral action. Should Ankara resume action, the EU will use all its available instruments and options. We have a toolbox that we can apply immediately.”

After their evening meeting, EU members agreed to review Turkey’s behavior in December and impose sanctions if the “provocations” had not stopped.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, on Twitter after the meeting, said: “The EU issues a clear threat of sanctions against Turkey if it continues to violate international law.”

European Council President Charles Michel said the EU was offering Turkey closer ties in trade and other areas, but defending the threat of sanctions if tensions in the Mediterranean did not subside.

The European Union and Turkey have long had a fragile relationship.

Turkey has been a long-term candidate for membership in the EU, but efforts have stalled. EU leaders have criticized Turkey’s record on human rights and the rule of law, particularly in the wake of the failed military coup in 2016.

Despite the tensions, Turkey remains an important partner for the EU. Turkey is home to millions of immigrants and reached an agreement with the EU that limited the number of people arriving in Greece.

Greece and Turkey are members of NATO, but they have a history of border disputes and competing claims on maritime rights.

Greece called the move a “serious new escalation” and the EU has backed its members Cyprus and Greece against Turkey.

Tensions eased somewhat when the research ship returned to Turkish waters last month and both sides said they were prepared to resume talks.

The announcement of the hotline on Thursday followed talks between Turkey and Greece at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

“I welcome the establishment of an exit mechanism from the military conflict, achieved through the constructive engagement of Greece and Turkey, both valuable NATO allies,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

“This security mechanism can help create the space for diplomatic efforts to address the underlying dispute and we are ready to develop it further.”

These mechanisms allow direct communication between two parties. Russia and the US established one during the Cold War and it has been in operation ever since.

Last month, France, which is also at odds with Turkey over the crisis in Libya, deployed two Rafale fighter jets and a naval frigate in the eastern Mediterranean due to tensions between Greece and Turkey.