Erdogan warns of split with EU over critical report

Erdogan's comments come in response to a recent European Parliament report on Türkiye that he views as damaging to diplomatic ties.

Speaking to reporters before his trip to the United States to attend the U.N. General Assembly, Erdogan accused the EU of attempting to distance itself from Türkiye.

He remarked: "The EU is trying to break away from Türkiye. We will make our evaluations against these developments, and if necessary, we can part ways with the EU."

Türkiye has strongly criticized the European Parliament's report, characterizing it as "shallow and non-visionary."

The report, which was issued on September 13, has raised concerns about democratic backsliding in Türkiye and has recommended against holding any accession talks under the current conditions. It is important to note that the European Parliament's report is advisory and not binding.

In a statement released by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the report was described as a "collection of unfounded allegations and prejudices based on disinformation by anti-Türkiye circles."

The statement further criticized the European Parliament for its approach to Türkiye-EU relations and its handling of regional issues.

The European Parliament's 2022 Report on Türkiye received overwhelming support from European lawmakers. It suggests that democratic backsliding continues in Türkiye, a point of contention between Ankara and Brussels.

Türkiye and the EU have been working to mend ties and enhance cooperation in various areas, including the upgrade of the customs union agreement and visa liberalization. Erdogan's warning of a potential split with the EU raises questions about the future of these efforts.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed its disappointment with the timing of the report, stating, "In such a critical period when the stability and security of our continent are at stake and a window of opportunity has been opened to revitalize Türkiye-EU relations, we find it irrational that the EP brings to the fora other pursuits parallel to the accession negotiations which are the backbone of Türkiye-EU relations."

As tensions rise over the European Parliament's report, the future of Türkiye's relationship with the EU remains uncertain, with potential consequences for diplomatic, economic, and political cooperation between the two entities. (ILKHA)