Ursula von der Leyen says Ankara must respect basic human rights norms if it wants EU relations
- 3 years ago
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says Ankara must respect basic human rights norms if it wants to have a stronger relationship with the EU. https://www.eudebates.tv/debates/special-debates/migration/frontex-debates-one-investigation-closes-as-another-begins/ The EU is "deeply worried" about Turkey's decision to pull out of a treaty to protect women, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday, warning Ankara that "human rights issues are non-negotiable."
#eudebates #EU #europe #Turkey #Borders #Migrants #Cyprus #Greece
Von der Leyen was speaking after wide-ranging talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
EU urges Turkey to respect human rights
The former German defense minister, who spoke to the media after the meeting said "respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law are crucial for the European Union."
"This must be an integral part of our relationship. Turkey must respect international human rights and standards," she told journalists.
Turkish President Erdogan ordered the withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, a global accord to protect women from domestic violence, last month.
von der Leyen said the move is "clearly the wrong signal right now."
Brussels seeks to keep migration pact
von der Leyen, who travelled to Turkey with European Council boss Charles Michel, said the pair also raised the Turkish government's adherence to a 2016 migration deal.
EU governments struck an agreement with Ankara that it would do more to stop human trafficking and accept returns from Greece.
The bloc would stump up humanitarian funds to help with the flow of large numbers of migrants.
"We expect Turkey to stand by its commitments and deliver on them, this includes preventing irregular departures and it also included resuming return operations from the Greek islands to Turkey without any delay," von der Leyen said.
Turkey cares for almost 10 million Syrian refugees both within Turkey and Syria, and Turkish officials have suggested they would need more financing to help.
What else did the talks cover?
European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen discussed key economic and diplomatic incentives with Ankara.
The benefits on offer for Turkey include the modernizing of a customs union and the liberalization of visa rules.
#Turkey #Dialogue #Greece #debates #HagiaSophia #Migration #Turkey #Ankara #Erdogan #Anastasiades
Brussels is expected to offer more funding for Turkey's hosting of millions of Syrian refugees.
The roadmap for improved cooperation would depend on Erdogan acting to de-escalate tensions with neighboring Greece and Cyprus.
Issues also included Turkey's gas exploration project in the eastern Mediterranean and future talks about the divided island of Cyprus.
Why are the talks being held now?
The 27-member bloc has been encouraged by conciliatory moves from Turkey in recent months.
#eudebates #EU #europe #Turkey #Borders #Migrants #Cyprus #Greece
Von der Leyen was speaking after wide-ranging talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
EU urges Turkey to respect human rights
The former German defense minister, who spoke to the media after the meeting said "respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law are crucial for the European Union."
"This must be an integral part of our relationship. Turkey must respect international human rights and standards," she told journalists.
Turkish President Erdogan ordered the withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, a global accord to protect women from domestic violence, last month.
von der Leyen said the move is "clearly the wrong signal right now."
Brussels seeks to keep migration pact
von der Leyen, who travelled to Turkey with European Council boss Charles Michel, said the pair also raised the Turkish government's adherence to a 2016 migration deal.
EU governments struck an agreement with Ankara that it would do more to stop human trafficking and accept returns from Greece.
The bloc would stump up humanitarian funds to help with the flow of large numbers of migrants.
"We expect Turkey to stand by its commitments and deliver on them, this includes preventing irregular departures and it also included resuming return operations from the Greek islands to Turkey without any delay," von der Leyen said.
Turkey cares for almost 10 million Syrian refugees both within Turkey and Syria, and Turkish officials have suggested they would need more financing to help.
What else did the talks cover?
European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen discussed key economic and diplomatic incentives with Ankara.
The benefits on offer for Turkey include the modernizing of a customs union and the liberalization of visa rules.
#Turkey #Dialogue #Greece #debates #HagiaSophia #Migration #Turkey #Ankara #Erdogan #Anastasiades
Brussels is expected to offer more funding for Turkey's hosting of millions of Syrian refugees.
The roadmap for improved cooperation would depend on Erdogan acting to de-escalate tensions with neighboring Greece and Cyprus.
Issues also included Turkey's gas exploration project in the eastern Mediterranean and future talks about the divided island of Cyprus.
Why are the talks being held now?
The 27-member bloc has been encouraged by conciliatory moves from Turkey in recent months.