Germany steps into action against Turkey
It is stated that Germany has asked the European Commission to suspend its work on updating Turkey and the Customs Union. It is also mentioned in same statement Germany has urged the European Commission to put pressure on Turkey.
Based on report by Reuters it was asked in the letter sent to European officials by politicians to include high representative Federica Mogherini of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Johannes Hahn, the member responsible for enlargement of the European Commission that it should be made clear there is a possibility of cutting the financial support to Turkey as part of preparations for EU, if deemed necessary. Moreover, according to the opinion of the German government, the EU should freeze talks with Turkey regarding the modernization of the customs union.
It was also mentioned in the letter that “The negotiations on the modernization of the customs union between Turkey and the EU could give a false signal to Turkey in the light of recent events”.
Germany also asked the European Commission to put economic pressure on Turkey to ensure Turkey respects “rule of law”. It was stated in the same letter that the European Commission should have the option of stopping financial assistance to Turkey if required.
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union (EU) and Germany is the largest member of the EU. The diplomatic crisis between Turkey and Germany had been further deepened by the arrest of German citizen Peter STEUDNER in Turkey.
