EP President Metsola made&nbsp;a statement at the opening of the February session, followed by a full debate on the emergency humanitarian aid the EU can provide to Türkiye and Syria after the catastrophic earthquake, which cost the lives of more than 30 000&nbsp;people and destroyed tens of thousands of buildings, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.

Turkey has been candidate for EU membership since 1999. Accession negotiations started in 2005. In recent years the EU is often criticizing the backsliding of the country in certain areas. As a major emerging economy and a member of NATO and G20, Türkiye&nbsp;is recognised as an active regional foreign policy player, with a strategic location, including for the EU's energy security. Turkey is a key strategic partner of the EU on issues such as migration, security, counter-terrorism, and the economy, but according to the EU has been backsliding in the areas of democracy, rule of law and fundamental right.

EU - Türkiye

On 1 and 2 October, EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss foreign affairs, in particular relations with Turkey and the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The leaders are also expected to address relations with China, the situation in Belarus and the poisoning of Alexei Navalny. The single market, industrial policy and digital transformation are also on the agenda

The summit, initially planned for 24 and 25 September, has been postponed as President Michel is in quarantine.

Special European Council, 1-2 October 2020

Turkey has been candidate for EU membership since 1999. Accession negotiations started in 2005.

As a major emerging economy and a member of NATO and G20, Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. It is recognised as an active regional foreign policy player, with a strategic location, including for the EU's energy security. The EU is therefore committed to intensify further the political dialogue with Turkey in particular on foreign policy issues of mutual interest.

EU - Turkey (2019-2020)

Delegation to the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee Constitutive meeting

EP Plenary session - 2022 Report on Türkiye

Delegation to the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee

Turkish airstrikes on northern Syria and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

AFET interparliamentary Committee Meeting - EU Enlargement Policy in the Aftermath of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

EP Plenary session - 2021 Report on Turkey

Press point EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee

MEPs debate with the Commission the EU’s emergency and humanitarian response to the catastrophic earthquake. On 6th of February, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit near the south-eastern Turkish city of Gaziantep, followed by a magnitude 7.6 aftershock later the same day. International estimates suggest the devastation caused by the earthquake could claim up to 20 000 lives. It has destroyed tens of thousands of buildings, and left hundreds of thousands without a home. Closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

EU response to the humanitarian situation following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria: closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

MEPs debate with the Commission the EU’s emergency and humanitarian response to the catastrophic earthquake. On 6th of February, a massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit near the south-eastern Turkish city of Gaziantep, followed by a magnitude 7.6 aftershock later the same day. International estimates suggest the devastation caused by the earthquake could claim up to 20 000 lives. It has destroyed tens of thousands of buildings in the region, and left hundreds of thousands without a home.

EU response to the humanitarian situation following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria: MEPs debate

MEPs debate with the Commission the EU’s emergency and humanitarian response to the catastrophic earthquake. On 6th of February, a massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit near the south-eastern Turkish city of Gaziantep, followed by a magnitude 7.6 aftershock later the same day. International estimates suggest the devastation caused by the earthquake could claim up to 20 000 lives. It has destroyed tens of thousands of buildings in the region, and left hundreds of thousands without a home. Opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

EU response to the humanitarian situation following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria: opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

MEPs debate with the Commission the EU’s emergency and humanitarian response to the catastrophic earthquake. A massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit near the south-eastern Turkish city of Gaziantep, followed by a magnitude 7.6 aftershock later the same day. International estimates suggest the devastation caused by the earthquake could claim up to 20 000 lives. It has destroyed tens of thousands of buildings in the region, and left hundreds of thousands without a home. Extracts from the opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, minute of silence and announcements by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

EU´s response to the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria: extracts from the debate

Roberta METSOLA, EP President gives her opening statement on the recent earthquake in Türkiye and Syria & Minute of silence before the plenary session in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Resumption of session and order of business: opening remarks by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria & Minute of silence

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, opens the plenary session on the 21st November in Strasbourg. The President gives her opening remarks after the rise of missiles from Russian army attacks to Ukrainian cities, that caused an explosion in the Polish village of Przewodów, causing 2 deaths among civilians. She also gives remarks on the Turkish army attacks in Northern Syria.

Resumption of session and order of business: opening remarks by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on the current situation in Turkey, Ukraine and Poland

Although EU-Turkey relations have improved slightly recently, MEPs are worried about the continued deterioration of fundamental rights and rule of law in the country. MEPs are also expected to welcome Turkey’s willingness to act as a mediator in the Russian war against Ukraine and to stress that it is vitally important that the EU and Turkey cooperate well on foreign and security policy. MEPs raise the issue of Turkey’s president being opposed to Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO. Closing statements by Nacho SÁNCHEZ AMOR (S&D, ES), rapporteur and Olivier VARHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

Report on Turkey: closing statements by Nacho SÁNCHEZ AMOR (S&D, ES), rapporteur and Olivier VARHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Although EU-Turkey relations have improved slightly recently, MEPs are worried about the continued deterioration of fundamental rights and rule of law in the country. MEPs are also expected to welcome Turkey’s willingness to act as a mediator in the Russian war against Ukraine and to stress that it is vitally important that the EU and Turkey cooperate well on foreign and security policy. MEPs raise the issue of Turkey’s president being opposed to Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO.

EU - Türkiye (T)

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