EU plans to engage with Turkey in 'proportionate, reversible' manner

European Council President Charles Michel said that the EU will continue to employ a policy toward Turkey that is grounded on a “faced, proportionate, reversible” manner. Michel also touched upon the issue of Cyprus, saying a two-state solution for the divided island is a non-starter.

Wednesday July 07 2021 05:31 pm

European Council President Charles Michel is seen addressing a meeting in this file photo.

Duvar English - Anadolu Agency

European Council President Charles Michel said on July 7 that engaging with Turkey in a “faced, proportionate and reversible” manner remains the bloc's policy.

Michel's remarks came at a session of the council on the results of last month’s EU Leaders’ Summit.

Noting that the summit focused on COVID-19, migration's effect on foreign policy, financial recovery, fundamental rights and the rule of law, Michel said the recent de-escalation of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Greece was a good sign.

Michel added that the work on updating the 1995 Customs Union between Turkey and the bloc was launched, and that the EU Commission also agreed to provide extra funding for Syrian refugees Turkey is hosting.

At the June 24-25 summit, EU leaders approved plans to give Turkey €3 billion ($3.6 billion) in additional assistance to the Syrian refugees on its territory and to boost border controls.

Michel also touched upon the issue of Cyprus, saying a two-state solution for the divided island is a non-starter.

He said that although the EU will continue to actively support the process to settle the Cyprus problem, including the issue of Varosha, the bloc will not accept a two-state solution.

Furthermore, he said that the rule of law and the respect of fundamental rights in Turkey remains a key concern for Europe, in particular the targeting of opposition parties.