See question(s) : E-002512/2022
Brussels, 23 August 2022
EN
E-002512/2022
Answer given by Mr Várhelyi
on behalf of the European Commission
(23.8.2022)
In its conclusions of 24 June 20221, the European Council expressed deep concern about recent repeated actions and statements by Turkey. Turkey must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States.
Recalling its previous conclusions and the statement of 25 March 2021, the European Council expects Turkey to fully respect international law, de-escalate tensions in the interest of regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and promote good neighbourly relations sustainably. In line with those conclusions, the Commission follows the developments very closely and regularly raises the issue with the Turkish counterparts. Moreover, it will continue assessing the situation in its annual reports on Turkey.
The EU funding for Turkey continues to be provided under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA). It focuses on priorities linked to the fundamental pillars of the enlargement strategy as well as on building more resilient and more sustainable economies and societies. Funds also continue to be provided for refugees and host communities in Turkey.
The EU-Turkey Customs Union was created by the Ankara Agreement2 of 1963 and Decision 1/95 of the EU-Turkey Association Council3. The Customs Union benefits both sides and the Commission has been engaging with Turkey to address current difficulties in its implementation, in line with the conclusions of the European Council of 25 March 2021.
1 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/57442/2022-06-2324-euco-conclusions-en.pdf
2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:f8e2f9f4-75c8-4f62-ae3f-b86ca5842eee.0008.02/DOC_2&fo
rmat=PDF
3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:21996D0213(01)&rid=2