The EU on Tuesday criticizes Turkey’s efforts to win membership of the bloc, saying recent spats with European states were “not conducive to good neighborly relations.”
In its latest report on Ankara’s long-stalled bid to join the union, the European Commission says there were still “serious shortcomings” on democracy and the rule of law.
But it focuses particularly on rows including Ankara’s arrest of two Greek soldiers and its promise to prevent the internationally-recognized Greek Cypriot government from exploring for oil and gas.
“Tensions in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean were not conducive to good neighborly relations and undermined regional stability and security,” the report says.
“Bilateral relations with several EU member states deteriorated, including at times offensive and unacceptable rhetoric.”
The report adds: “Turkey needs to commit itself unequivocally to good neighborly relations.”
EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini says there was no chance of ending the current freeze on opening new “chapters” in Turkey’s EU membership process.
— AFP
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