Some consider it a ‘blank cheque’. Others describe it as a “do ut des”, as a negative compromise, as a “successful blackmail.” The conclusions of the summit between the EU and Turkey on 7 March continue to raise criticisms, objections and distinctions. The Heads of State or government of EU28 gathered in Brussels, have welcomed, between smiles and pats on the back, the prime minister in Ankara, Ahmet Davutoglu, who always acts in complete harmony with President Erdogan. Moreover, Turkey is an indispensable partner on Europe’s migration front: the Eurasian giant is home to nearly 3 million refugees, and is located at the boundary between a Middle East in flames and Europe’s Mediterranean and Balkan borders, tried by the arrivals of refugees.
“Low level communication”. Further EU decisions on the migration emergency and on relations with Ankara have been adjourned to the European Council of March 17 to 18, but as of now the Turkish government has raised the stakes, asking twice as much the 3 billion package already promised by the EU, as financial aid for humanitarian action. It has also obtained more or less formal promises on the acceleration of negotiations for EU membership and visa liberalization within a few months. In the Final Declaration the European Council states: “Turkey confirmed its commitment in implementing the bilateral Greek-Turkish readmission agreement to accept the rapid return of all migrants not in need of international protection crossing from Turkey into Greece ”
The demanded commitment is “to resettle, for every Syrian readmitted by Turkey from Greek islands, another Syrian from Turkey to the EU Member States”.
Do ut des? “This is a barter!” blasted Guy Verhofstadt, former Belgian prime minister, leader of the Liberal & Democrats group at the European parliament. “It’s a ‘do ut des’ we cannot accept. Davutoglu has come here to tell us: unless you give us visa-free travel we won’t lift a finger to welcome the refugees. Either we hasten the pace of EU adhesion negotiations, or we won’t guarantee the presence of Syrians in our migrant reception centres.” For Verhofstadt “we cannot depend entirely” on Ankara’s government.
“We are talking about a Country that fails to respect fundamental rights and minorities… just think of the Kurds.”
For the Belgian politician EU action should be “more far-reaching: where are the 160 thousand resettlements, where is the European coast guard? Where is the common asylum policy?” he asked. Not to mention legal measures on migration and cooperation for development…
“Pragmatic cooperation.” Timothy Kirkhope, British Conservative, former Minister for Migration in the United Kingdom, is contrary to “issuing a 6billion cheque” to Ankara. ““We need Turkey as a major and important partner” in the ongoing crisis, “but not at any cost”. “Any money handed over to Turkey must be incremental and based on clear criteria that must be met.” The money should be used for the refugees, not for the army or in the repression of minority groups. Manfred Weber, leader of the EPP group in Strasbourg, considered a trustworthy person by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, shares the same views. “No presents to Ankara”, intense negotiations, starting with the “fundamental principles of European integration”: the demands focus on democracy and rights, “including the freedom of the press” authentic “humanitarian” reception of refugees, cooperation for the political stability of the Middle East region.
Weber pointed out: “Freedom of expression cannot be negotiated. If Turkey intends to make steps towards adhesion to the EU is has to respect all fundamental rights” enshrined within European treaties.
But Angela Merkel has just returned from Turkey: did she spread a “red carpet” under the feet of the “Sultan”? “Turkey is a double-headed coin”, remarked the EPP leader. “It drifts away from the European Union” with the assault on the press and minority groups, “the lack of divisions of power” and the executive’s interference in the judiciary, while on the international plane, “every year it is taking in million of refugees to its own expense, and now it deserves support.” Moreover, Ankara “is a major partner for security, the economy, and energy. Thus a pragmatic form of cooperation is required.”
Ensuring the respect of rights and minorities. Italian Socialists & Democrats leader Gianni Pittella confirmed the distance separating the European Council, where sit EU heads of Government and State, from the Parliament’s plenary in Strasbourg.
“We say no to an agreement with Turkey without a commitment to ensure the respect of human rights and minorities”
He mentioned the situation of Kurdistan. “We equally oppose the deal whereby refugees’ reception depends on free-visa travel and on the negotiations for EU adhesion. There is also the question of Cyprus”, where half of the island is occupied by Turkish military forces. “No to barters”, Pittella pointed out. “Yes to full, respectful cooperation, done in the mutual interest.”
