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Welcoming the firm commitment of the Turkish Government to continue on its path of accession to the EU, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica also emphasised the need for reforms in several areas to strengthen civil society, democracy and human rights. The debate at the European Parliament was held as the MPs were preparing to adopt a resolution on the European Commission’s recommendations for Turkey.
During the discussion, the Parliamentary State Secretary highlighted good cooperation between the EU and Turkey on foreign policy issues, Turkey’s contribution on receiving refugees in the region, as well as active counter-terrorism dialogue.
Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica stressed that the EU continues supporting the reforms in Turkey which should ensure adherence to the principles of freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights. The Parliamentary State Secretary also recalled that, in October 2014, the European Council at the level of EU Heads of State and Government called on Turkey to normalise its relations with Cyprus.
The European Commission is preparing annual progress reports on EU candidate countries and potential candidates, which are discussed both at the EU Council and the European Parliament. The Progress Report on Turkey was adopted on 8 October 2014.
The debate at the European Parliament followed the annual EU and Turkey Association Council meeting held on 18 May, which provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss the issues in relation with past and present EU-Turkey relations as well as address the future challenges.
