< p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country could “disperse” with the European Union over its EU membership following a European Parliament report published last week that criticized the Turkish state for democratic shortcomings, including censorship laws.
The Turkish leader told reporters in Istanbul before how to travel to New York to participate in the UN General Assembly.
— During this period, when the European Union is taking steps to separate from Turkey, we will give our assessment of these events, and after these assessments, if necessary, we can part ways with the European Union, — he said
The European Parliament's 2022 report, adopted this month, said that “the EU accession process cannot be resumed under current conditions”.
Now watchingThe document also cites concerns about censorship laws, the suppression of critical opinions, the lack of independence of the judiciary, the deterioration of women's rights, etc.
Parliament called on the EU to explore “parallel and realistic frameworks&# 8221; for relations between the EU and Turkey.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the report, saying that the document “filled with unfair accusations and prejudices based on disinformation from anti-Turkish circles, is a reflection of the usual superficial and unbiased approach of the European Parliament both to relations with our country and to the future of the EU.
The European Union and Turkey began negotiations on accession to the EU in 2005. Although the process has stalled, Turkey remains a key economic and defense partner for the bloc.
Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said in July that the country was looking to the EU as inspiration for change as it tries to revive stalled negotiations. because he considers it the “best alternative.
