Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has issued a stern warning to the European Union (EU), indicating that Turkey may consider severing its ties with the bloc if deemed necessary. This statement comes in response to a recent European Parliament report on Turkey's accession process, which has been a contentious issue for decades.
The report, adopted earlier this week, delivered a significant blow to Turkey's aspirations to join the 27-member EU. It concluded that, given the current circumstances, Turkey's accession process could not proceed and suggested that the EU should explore alternative avenues for its relationship with Ankara.
Turkey has officially been a candidate for EU membership for a staggering 24 years, but progress towards accession has been hindered in recent years by concerns within the bloc regarding human rights violations and the rule of law in Turkey.
"The EU is trying to break away from Turkey. We will carefully evaluate these developments, and if necessary, we are prepared to part ways with the EU," Erdogan stated emphatically during a press conference before departing for the United States.
Erdogan's comments highlight the increasing strain in Turkey-EU relations, with both sides seemingly at an impasse over various issues, including the rule of law, human rights, and the ongoing dispute over natural gas exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey's Foreign Ministry swiftly responded to the European Parliament's report earlier in the week, categorizing it as "containing unfounded allegations and prejudices" and criticizing its "shallow and non-visionary" approach to Turkey's relationship with the EU.
The EU's relationship with Turkey has been rocky for years, with periodic political and diplomatic tensions. While Turkey is a member of the EU Customs Union and has cooperated with the EU on migration issues, significant obstacles remain on the path to full membership.
The EU's reluctance to move forward with Turkey's accession has frustrated Ankara, prompting President Erdogan's recent remarks. The situation further complicates the already intricate web of geopolitical relationships in the region, including Turkey's role as a crucial NATO member.
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