Activities of Peter van DALEN related to 2019/2176(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
2019-2020 Reports on Turkey (debate)
Amendments (34)
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
- having regard to its previous resolutions on Turkey, in particular those of 13 March 2019 on the 2018 Commission Report on Turkey1 , of 19 September 2019 on the situation in Turkey, notably the removal of elected mayors2 , of 24 October 2019 on the Turkish military operation in northeast Syria and its consequences3 , and of 17 September 2020 on the preparation of the special European Council summit focusing on the dangerous escalation and the role of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean4 , and of 26 November 2020 on escalating tensions in Varosha following the illegal actions by Turkey and the urgent need for the resumption of talks5a; _________________ 1 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0200. 2 Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0017. 3 Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0049. 4 Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0230. 5a Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0332.
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to its recent Resolution of 26 November 2020 on escalating tensions in Varosha following the illegal actions by Turkey and the urgent need for the resumption of talks,
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the Council’s decision of July 2019 to suspend negotiations with Turkey on the Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement;
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)
Citation 5 b (new)
- having regard to the decision of the European Investment Bank to heavily restrict its lending operations in Turkey;
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas an analysis of the Commission’s reports on Turkey since 2014 and, in particular, the 2019 and 2020 reports, reveals that Turkey has increasingly and rapidly distanced itself from the EU’s values and its normative framework; and even begins to be hostile and anti-EU;
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. in view of Turkey's sharply increased aggression in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Caucasus regions;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with concergreat indignation that Turkey’s continuous and growing distancing from European values and standards has brought EU-Turkey relations to a historical low point, having deteriorated to such an extent that it requires both parties to profoundly reassess the current framework of relations, leading to the decision to conclude and end relations with Turkey and to start a new kind of relationship with Turkey;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with concern that Turkey’s continuous and growing distancing from European values and standards has brought EU-Turkey relations to a historical low point, having deteriorated to such an extent that it requires both parties to profoundly reassess the current framework of relations which should effectively solve the root causes of the current conflicts;
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that Turkey’s lack of commitment to carrying out the reforms assumed in the accession process has made the latter inadequate to frame a complex relationship that has progressively become more transactional and driven by circumstances and that this aggressive behaviour by the Erdogan government makes the EU-Turkey relationship more suitable for a special association treaty; and no longer for accession;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is deeply concerned that, over the years, the lack of progress in Turkey’s convergence has now transformed into a full withdrawal, marked by a stark regression in three main areas: backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental rights, adopting regressive institutional reforms and pursuing a confrontational foreign policy; is further concerned by the fact that this regression has increasingly been accompanied by an explicit anti-EU narrative; calls, in this context, on Turkey to reassess the sincerity of its commitment to the EU path, as an indispensable component of the viability of the entire accession process;
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that no incentive that the EU could offer can ever replace the much- needed political will to build a mature democracy and, in turn, become a member of the EU;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that, since Parliament’s last report, the situation, far from improving, has deteriorated even further; firmly insists, therefore, on the formal suspenscancellation of accession negotiations and funds with Turkey, in order for both sides to review in a realistic manner the appropriateness of the current framework and its ability to function, or, if necessary, to explore possible new models for future relations;
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets the current lack of understanding between the EU and Turkey, but reaffirms its firm conviction that Turkey is a strategic neighbour and ally with which the EU wishes to have the best possiworkable relations;
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses its will to strengthen and deepen mutual knowledge and understanding between Turkish and European societies, combating all manifestations of social, religious or cultural prejudice; expresses its full commitment to continue supporting Turkey’s independent civil society in whatever circumstances and framework of relations that the future may bring; believes, nevertheless, that the accession process would still be the mostrecommends to support the next generation through extended participation in the Erasmus + program and Jean Monnet scholarships to support research cooperation and the common fight against climate change and for the protection of the environment and last but not least to support the empowerment of women in society and business; believes, nevertheless, that the perspective to a new and clearly defined partnership can be a powerful tool to exercise normative pressure on the Turkish government and the besta framework to sustain the democratic and pro-European aspirations of Turkish society; stresses that a purely transactional relationship will hardly contribute to the advancement of Turkey towards a more democratic model;
Amendment 222 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that this fundamental area, which is at the core of the accession process, cannot be disconnected and isolated from overall relations and that it remains the main obstacle to progress on any positive agenda that could be offered to Turkey;
Amendment 310 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Is concerned about the remained and widespread corruption; stresses that the report states that no sign of progress in addressing the many gaps in the Turkish anti-corruption framework was found, calls on Turkey to present an effective anti-corruption strategy and action plan;
Amendment 369 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Condemns the Turkish government's callous action against religious minorities, such as the monastics of Mor Gabriel and other monasteries in south eastern Turkey, which are obliged to do the impossible, namely the production of pre-Medieval property papers of all lands, on pain of confiscation;
Amendment 371 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Condemns the Turkish government's callous action against religious minorities, such as the monastics of Mor Gabriel and other monasteries in southeastern Turkey, which are obliged to do the impossible, namely the production of pre-Medieval property papers of all lands, on pain of confiscation;
Amendment 396 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Strongly condemns the Turkish decision to convert such an emblematic World Cultural Heritage Monument, as Hagia Sophia Museum, to a mosque and calls on the Turkish authorities to urgently reverse their decision;
Amendment 397 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Strongly condemns the Turkish decision to convert such an emblematic World Cultural Heritage Monument, as Hagia Sophia Museum, to a mosque and calls on the Turkish authorities to urgently reverse their decision;
Amendment 445 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Is concerned aboutStrongly condemns the ever more frequent use of a hyper-nationalist narrative among the ruling elite that increasingly gives rise to antagonistic approaches towards the EU or its Member States; is concerned about the increasing clout of religious conservatism in political lifacknowledges that Turkey remains a secular state;
Amendment 491 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recalls the laudable role played by Turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in Syria; takes the view that the EU should continue to give the necessary support to Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey; supports an objective assessment of the EU-Turkey Statement and underlines the importance of both parties’ compliance with their respective commitments;
Amendment 505 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Stresses that a modernisation of the Customs Union could be beneficial for both parties and would keep Turkey economically and normatively anchored to the EUcalls on the suspension of the Customs Union between both parties; reiterates that this woulde Customs Union needs to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; highlights that it seems unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the Customs Union given the current circumstances; recalls that the current Customs Union will not achieve its full potential until Turkey fully implements the Additional Protocol in relation to all Member States;
Amendment 536 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is deeply concerned by the ongoing dispute in the Eastern Mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation; strongly condemns Turkey’s illegal activities in Greek and Cypriot waters, which violate both the sovereign rights of EU Member States and international law; expresses its full solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat; recognises the right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements concerning its exclusive economic zone, explore and exploit its natural resources and calls on Turkey to respect relevant international law (UNCLOS); urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to refrain from any threat or action which might have negative effects on good neighbourly relations. Urges Turkey to show restraint and to respect Cyprus’ sovereignty over its territorial sea and Cyprus’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone.
Amendment 543 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is deeply concerned by the ongoing dispute in the Eastern Mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation;s; strongly condemns Turkey’s illegal activities in Greek and Cypriot waters, which violate both the sovereign rights of EU Member States and international law; expresses its full solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat, as that could have a negative impact on good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 547 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is deeply concerned by the ongoing dispute in the Eastern Mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation; strongly condemns Turkey’s illegal activities in Greek and Cypriot waters, which violate both the sovereign rights of EU Member States and international law; expresses its full solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat;
Amendment 561 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. CStrongly condemns the partial reopening of Varosha beach, which violates international law and UN Security Council Resolutions 550 and 789 and undermines mutual trust and therefore the prospect of the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue; underlines the importance of the status of Varosha and calls on Turkey to immediately reverse this action; reiterates its support for a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, in accordance with International law, the EU acquis and the principles on which the Union is founded;
Amendment 571 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. CStrongly condemns the partial reopening of Varosha beach, which undermines mutual trust and therefore the prospect of the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue; calls on Turkey to reverse this action; reiterates its support for a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality;
Amendment 635 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. RegretsCondemns the fact that, rather than calling for an end to the violence and for a resumption of peaceful negotiations supporting the efforts of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, Turkey instead decided to unconditionally sustain the military actions of one of the sides in the recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh;
Amendment 643 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Strongly condemns Turkish aggression in the war against Nagorno- Karabakh, Turkish support for the Azeri's and Turkish funding for Syrian mercenaries, who have clearly committed war crimes in that war, such as by cutting off the ears of soldiers from Armenia for payment by Ankara;
Amendment 668 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. believes that a revised EU policy versus Turkey is required to stop Turkish aggression. That means halting and ending accession talks, calling on Member States to impose arms embargoes against Turkey, and introducing sanctions against President Erdogan and the clique around him;