Turkey ties could be redefined, EU warns

The European Union has warned that the bloc could redefine the entire status of its relations with Turkey in light of recent developments in the country and amid growing disputes between the two sides.

"The time has come for a thorough assessment of EU-Turkey relations and perhaps redefinition," European Union Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said Monday, warning that a redefinition of ties could take place following a recent referendum in Turkey that granted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extra powers.

Turkey has been an EU membership candidate since 1987 but the bid has stalled over the years mainly due to issues of democracy and human rights. Relations began to deteriorate last year when Turkey launched a massive crackdown on those alleged to have played a role in the last year coup attempt.

The EU has censured the large-scale imprisonment and dismissals of people following July 15, 2016 putsch against Erdogan.

Hahn said growing differences between the EU and Turkey has made it necessary to reassess the status of relations.

The Austrian diplomat said that the “current situation is not sustainable, neither for Turkey nor for us.”

The comments came days before a meeting between EU ministers on how the 28-nation bloc should deal with Turkey as ties continue to sour.

SS