European Union–Turkey relations

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke over the phone with the head of the European Council, an official statement said on Dec. 15.

The statement by Turkey's Communications Directorate said Charles Michel called Erdoğan to inform him and exchange views on the recently held EU summit.

The European Union is taking "slow, albeit steady steps" toward pressuring Turkey to de-escalate tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean region, Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday with regards to the conclusions of last week's European Council.

The EU leaders should comprehend the strategic importance of the bloc's relations with Turkey and should not allow any initiative that would hinder ties, Turkey's presidential spokesman said on Dec. 11.

EU leaders plan to discuss arm exports to Turkey with NATO allies and Washington, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said today, after Greece's push at the December 10-11 EU summit for an arms embargo on Ankara was dismissed.

Germany and Bulgaria were the most vocal among the EU countries who blocked sanctions against Turkey at the EU summit on Thursday (10 December), reports EURACTIV.

"German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov were the EU leaders who openly opposed sanctions against Ankara," the sources said.

EU leaders at the start of a two day EU summit, in Brussels, 10 December 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/OLIVIER HOSLET/POOL

The decision allows the EU to penalize individuals and companies involved in planning and carrying out gas exploration in the East Med, with sanctions of travel bans into EU countries and asset freezes.

The European Union is ready to cooperate more with Turkey to tackle migration, European Council President Charles Michel said after a two-day meeting of EU leaders in Brussels.

"We want responsible cooperation with Turkey," Michel told a news conference.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said European Union leaders agreed at a summit that the question of arms exports to Turkey should be discussed among NATO members and in coordination with the next US administration.

Italy's foreign minister said on Dec. 10 that Turkey has great opportunities for economic cooperation in infrastructure, adding that he hopes for more cooperation in railways and other areas in the coming months.

The European Union announced early Dec. 11 that it has decided to impose additional sanctions on Turkish individuals and companies in light of Turkey's activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

As the EU Leaders Summit in Brussels continued, the union shared the relevant part of the final declaration on Turkey as they reached a consensus after long hours of negotiations.