Greek-Turkish: Deterioration of EU relations with Turkey, mainly due to Ankara’s behavior towards Greece, records the European Commission’s annual report on the accession process of the neighboring country, while in terms of the acquis communautaire and the rule of law, there is even a regression.
In particular, the Commission finds that the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean has become tense again and calls on Turkey to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU member states.
The annual report points out that the relations with the E.U. with Turkey worsened in 2022, due to repeated Turkish violations of Greek airspace in the Aegean, but also aggressive rhetoric and threats regarding the sovereignty of the Greek islands and Cyprus. Reference is also made to Turkey’s military exercises in Cyprus’ maritime zones, but also to the illegal obstruction of Cyprus’ research activities within the Cypriot EEZ. It is also underlined that, despite international reactions and condemnation, Turkey is implementing its plan to open the closed area of Varossia.
According to the report, tensions and threats in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean did not favor good neighborly relations and undermined stability and security in the region.
Particularly important is the reminder by the Commission of the conclusions of the European Council of March 25, 2021, which include the so-called dual approach, where the E.U. had offered Turkey a positive agenda with the modernization of, among others, the Customs Union, under the condition of a permanent de-escalation of the tension in relations with the member states of the region.
Based on the same statement, the leaders had asked Turkey to refrain from new provocations or unilateral actions in violation of International Law. They warned Ankara that in case it repeats the provocations, the E.U. it will use the means and options available to it to defend its interests and the interests of its member states, as well as to maintain regional stability.
For the Turkish-Libyan memorandum, the report says it violates sovereign rights of third states, does not comply with the Law of the Sea, and has no legal consequences for third states.
