The European Parliament voted on Wednesday, May 7, to maintain its position against restarting EU accession talks with Turkey, citing ongoing democratic backsliding under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
While recognising Turkey’s strategic importance and the pro-European aspirations of many of its citizens, MEPs adopted a report rejecting renewed negotiations, with 367 votes in favour, 74 against, and 188 abstentions.
Lawmakers also criticised Turkey’s continued violations of Greek and Cypriot sovereignty and called for renewed commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue.
Spanish MEP Nacho Sanchez Amor stated: “EU membership is about democracy… the more they advance a fully authoritarian model… the further they drift from EU membership.”
Source: Ekathimerini.
