5 Amendments of Georgios EPITIDEIOS related to 2016/2031(INI)
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that modernisation of the Customs Union will no further strengthen the already strong economic ties between Turkey and the European Union (EU) and will keep Turkey economically anchored to the EU; believes that strengthening trade relations between EU and Turkey although could bring concrete benefits to citizens in Turkey and possibly the EU Mmember Sstates, and also contribute to both sides engaging in a positive reform agenda while mitigating political tensions with Ankara on the deteriorating situation of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms in the countryit will undermine the sovereignty and dignity of a member state, Cyprus which Turkey insistently denies to recognize.
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the upgrade of the EU-Turkey trade relations could forms an essential part of the efforts made by the EU and Turkey to deepen their relations in key areas of joint interest identified at the EU-Turkey Summit of 29 November 2015 and in the EU-Turkey statement of 18 March 2016; states that this is even more important now that the accession talks are stalled despite the significant short- and long-term strategic interests for both the EU as Turkey, such as trade, me Republic of Turkey occupies illegally 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus as a result of the military invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Additionally the refusal of Turkey to allow Cypriot-flagged ships to access Turkish ports violates all commercial principles in shipping which are laid down in Council Regulation EEC No. 4055/86 (Freedom to provide services), such as the freedom of navigration, the fight against terrorism, energy and stability in the neighbourhood;freedom of transit, freedom of access to ports and harbours, as well as equality of treatment. The whole issue relates also to EEC- Council Regulation (EEC) No. 4058/86 of 22 December 1986 concerning coordinated action to safeguard free access to cargoes in ocean trades.
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the growing geopolitical and economic challenges facing Turkey as a result of instability in its neighbourhood, terrorism and the aftermath of the coup attempt of 15 July 2016; stresses that while the chaos and instability in the Middle East, the Russian annexin coordination with the fact that Turkish Air Force violated Greek airspace 2,244 times in 2014 alone and the fact thati on of Crimea and intervention in Ukrainethe 29th of January 2017 a missile boat of the Turkish Navy carrying the four Turkish Chiefs of Staff along with two Special Forces carrying boats violated the Greek territorial waters, are adversely affecting Turkey’s foreign trade within its neighbourhood,. Therefore an upgraded Customs Union canalone could not help Turkey to overcome the challenges it faces, and contribute to transforming Turkey into a pillar of stability and an engine of growth for its citizens, if the necessary reforms are made by the government;
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to call off the Customs Union between Turkey and the EU and include political benchmarks in tha future upgraded Customs Union between Turkey and the EU on human rights and fundamental freedoms.