During the EP plenary session (3-6 July 2017) in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the 2016 Report on Turkey. Statements by Kati PIRI (S&D, NL), Rapporteur, Matti MAASIKAS, Estonian Deputy Minister for EU Affairs, and Johannes HAHN, Commissioner in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

EU - Türkiye (T)

Enlargement to Türkiye (T)

MAASIKAS, Matti (EE)

PIRI, Kati (S&D, NL)

HAHN, Johannes (AT, EC)

2016 Report on Turkey: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Kati PIRI (S&amp;D, NL), Rapporteur, In  a deeply polarised country, people from all walks of life are uniting in their call for the restoration of the rule of law in their country. That is not only historic, but also a hopeful sign that many in Turkey do not accept the authoritarian drift in their country. These people fight for their democratic rights, and we in the EP stand side by side with all those in Turkey who believe in the same European values.

SOUNDBITE (English), Kati PIRI (S&amp;D, NL), Rapporteur, The continuously deteriorating situation in South-East Turkey deserves special attention. Not only is the leader of the pro-kurdish HDP party, Selahattin DEMIRTAS, jailed, so are 12 of his colleagues and 87 mayors from that region. Especially in the areas where curfew's were imposed, excessive force has been used by security personnel and collective punishment ap plied to the inhabitants. However, this in no way justifies any of the killings conducted by the PKK.

SOUNDBITE (English), Kati PIRI (S&amp;D, NL), Rapporteur, We are not pleading to stop all dialogue and cooperation with Ankara. But what we ask the Commission and the EU leaders, is to simply stand up for our own values. By looking away, we are seriously undermining our own credibility.

SOUNDBITE (English), Kati PIRI (S&amp;D, NL), Rapporteur, I would like to especially thank my colleague rapporteurs from the other groups for making sure that this parliament speaks with one, clear and loud voice in condemning the Turkish government's serious decline in democratic standards, while continuing to support the Turkish population, millions of whom would like to continue to see the EU as an anchor for reforms in their country.

SOUNDBITE (English), Matti MAASIKAS, Estonian Deputy Minister for EU Affairs, The EU-Turkey Joint Action plan for refugees and migration management and the March 2016 statement continues to be applied in the interest of both parties. So far this cooperation has lead to significant decrease in deaths at sea, and a substantial reduction of irregular migrant arrivals from Turkey.

SOUNDBITE (English), Johannes HAHN, Commissioner in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy &amp; Enlargement Negotiations, The EU sticks to its financial commitments under the refugee facility, our support has clear impact, but our overall relationship can only move forward if there's a clear improvement of the domestic situation in Turkey. Honourable members, closely engaging with Turkey is crucial. It is however, equally important that we make crystal clear that we all expect positive and tangible developments in and by Turkey.