6 Amendments of Sofia SAKORAFA related to 2016/2031(INI)
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that while the modernisation of the Customs Union will further strengthen the already strong economic ties between Turkey and the European Union (EU), and will keep Turkey economically anchored to the EUthis cannot proceed when Turkey has not fully and effectively implemented the existing Customs Union towards all member states including the Republic of Cyprus; believes that strengthening trade relations could bring concrete benefits to citizens in Turkey and EU Member States, 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 country;
Amendment 19 #
2. Notes that the upgrade of the EU-Turkey trade relations 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, migration, the fight against terrorism, energy and stability in the neighbourhood;
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes note of Turkey’s recent rapprochement with Russia and the statements of the Turkish Government regarding the country’s possible accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation; rReiterates that the EU is Turkey’s main trading partner and that two thirds of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Turkey comes from EU Member States; emphasises that the Customs Union requires Turkey to align its legislation with the acquis communautaire;
Amendment 31 #
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 annexation of Crimea and intervention in Ukraine, are adversely affecting Turkey’s foreign trade within its neighbourhood, an upgraded Customs Union can 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 governmentgiven that Turkey fulfils its obligations towards all EU member states and respects the rule of law;
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WelcomNotes the fact that Turkish regulatory alignment with EU standards resulting from the conclusion of the Customs Union has made the country more competitive; believes that the modernisation of the Customs Union would provide an opportunity for Turkey to revisit its growth model and escape from the ‘middle income (country) trap’; welcomnotes the fact that the deepening of the Customs Union will have a positive influence on Turkey’s economic governance and strengthen Turkey’s independent regulatory institutions;
Amendment 50 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to include political benchmarks in the upgraded Customs Union between Turkey and the EUuncil and the Commission to demand from Turkey to fulfil all its obligations towards all Member States in a non-discriminatory manner before an upgraded Customs Union is finalised that must include political benchmarks on human rights and fundamental freedoms.