Brussels, 9 July 2020
During the July plenary session, the European Parliament held a debate on the stability and security in the Mediterranean and the recent actions of Turkey. High Representative Josep Borrell briefed the members of his recent meeting with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs and informed them of the upcoming debate in the European Council regarding the latest developments.
In her intervention, EPP vice coordinator for foreign affairs, Željana Zovko stated that the Turkish actions are violating international law and create tensions and conflicts with the European Union. She said that she stands by Greece and Cyprus and that the EU should act as a one against the security threats.
Zovko reminded her colleagues of the united strong reaction against similar behaviour regarding the refugee crisis and the attacks on the European border. She said that his behaviour should stop immediately.
Zovko called for dialogue and to avoid further escalations. “The Mediterranean has without saying the most important world shared heritage. We call on Turkey to take on board European values in order to find a way how to build a shared future between us,” she concluded.