The European Parliament considered today that Turkey is still far from the European Union (EU), calling for a change of attitude on the part of Ankara regarding the intention of Sweden and Finland to join NATO.
In a report approved on Tuesday by 448 votes in favour, 67 against and 107 abstentionsMEPs hold the position of the European Parliament on the formal suspension of negotiations on Turkey’s accession to the EU cannot be changedblocked since 2018.
According to a statement, MEPs defend that “closer collaboration between the EU and Turkey in foreign and defense policy is essential” and also consider that there was no improvement when it comes to fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law in Turkey.
The briefing note notes that the European Parliament also calls on Ankara to “deal with Sweden’s and Finland’s NATO applications in good faith,” adding that in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine , which began on February 24, it is essential that all North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies “act with foresight and swiftly ratify the accession protocols of both countries”.
Turkey blocks the process of joining Sweden and Finland to the Atlantic Allianceaccusing Stockholm of supporting Kurdish groups that Ankara considers terrorists.
Unanimity and parliamentary ratification by the 30 member states that currently make up NATO, including Turkey, are necessary to allow the entry of new countries.
Source: Observadora
