2022/2205(INI) | [ParlTrack]

David LEGA, Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE, Lukas MANDL

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)

Ga. whereas Türkiye hosts the largest refugee population in the world, with almost 4 million registered refugees, mainly from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan; whereas there are credible reports of deportation of refugees residing in Türkiye and summary-push-backs of refugees at Türkiyeʼs borders with little or no examination of their claims for international protection;

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)

Ga. Whereas the Turkish law requires the state to protect children from exploitation; whereas young migrants, notably Syrian refugees are particularly vulnerable to being exploited by criminal organizations and prostitution, and displaced children, mostly Syrian, remain very vulnerable to economic and sexual abuse;

Amendment 103 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)

Ga. whereas the Turkish paramilitary terrorist organisation known as the « Grey Wolves » continues to operate in Europe as proven during the presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey and despite its dissolution in certain European countries such as France and Germany;

Amendment 104 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)

Ga. whereas Türkiye is a member of the Council of Europe and is therefore bound by the judgements of the ECtHR;

Amendment 105 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)

Gb. whereas Turkey still does not recognize the Christian Genocide (Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians) which resulted in more than 2 million deaths;

Amendment 106 #

David LEGA, Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE, Lukas MANDL

Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)

Gb. whereas hate speech and hate crime remain a serious issue for ethnic and religious minorities including Jews and Christians;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Takes note of the results of the recent presidential and parliamentary elections in Türkiye and considers them a sign foreboding political continuity in the country; acknowledges the peaceful manner in which the Turkish people conducted this process and applauds the high turnout; regrets, however, that, as reflected by the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, the elections did not take place on a level playing field and were impacted, among other things, by essential freedoms being heavily hindered by the current legal framework and practice, and by the unjustified advantage enjoyed by the ruling parties; highlights that the Turkish government used its power over state institutions and regulatory bodies to control narratives and debates in both traditional and social media, to imprison journalists and politicians, and to remove elected officials in the Kurdish majority parts from office, in order to disadvantage the opposition; considers the fact that that state television (TRT) afforded President Erdoğan 32 hours of airtime in the run- up to the election and his opponent 32 minutes as well as the spread of false claims and montage videos by ruling parties affiliating the opposition actors with terrorism are exemplary of the unjust circumstances of the elections; expresses concern about reports by election observers and complaints by political opposition parties about discrepancies between recorded counts made at polling stations and the final votes entered into the Supreme Election Council’s system, suggesting voter fraud, as documented in district 1234, Bismil, Diyarbakır;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Takes note of the results of the recent presidential and parliamentary elections in Türkiye and considers them a sign foreboding political continuity in the country; notes with appreciation the presence of the Prime Minister of Armenia at the inauguration of the newly- elected President of Turkey; considers this as a highly important development which can have a positive impact on prosperity and security in the region; acknowledges the peaceful manner in which the Turkish people conducted this process and applauds the high turnout; regrets, however, that, as reflected by the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, the elections did not take place on a level playing field and were impacted, among other things, by essential freedoms being heavily hindered by the current legal framework and practice, and by the unjustified advantage enjoyed by the ruling parties;

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

Amendment 11 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)

– having regard to the declaration issued by the then European Community and its Member States on 21 September 2005, following the declaration made by Turkey upon signature on 29 July 2005 of the Ankara Protocol, including the provision that the recognition of all Member States is a necessary component of the negotiations, and to the need for Turkey to proceed to the normalization of its relations with all Member States and to fully implement the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States, by removing all obstacles to the free movement of goods, including restrictions on means of transport, without prejudice and discrimination,

Amendment 110 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Takes note of the results of the recent presidential and parliamentary elections in Türkiye and considers them a sign foreboding political continuity in the country; ~~acknowledges the peaceful manner in which the Turkish people conducted this process and applaud~~notes that the elections were largely peaceful, despite isolated instances of violence, primarily against opposition supporters and welcomes the high turnout; regrets, however, that, as reflected by the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, ~~the elections did not tak~~biased media coverage and the placek onf a level playing field ~~and were impact~~gave an unjustified, a~~mong other things, by essential freedoms being heavily hindered by the current legal framework and practice~~dvantage to the incumbent; regrets that harsher rhetoric, inflammatory and discriminatory language, including against minorities, and by the ~~unjustified advantage enjoyed by the ruling partie~~continued intimidation and harassment of supporters of some opposition parties undermined the process;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Takes note of the results of the recent presidential and parliamentary elections in Tüurkiyey and considers them a sign foreboding political continuity in the country; acknowledges the peaceful manner in which the Turkish people conducted this process and applauds the high turnout; regrets, however, that, as reflected by the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, the elections did not take place on a level playing field and were impacted, among other things, by essential freedoms being heavily hindered by the current legal framework and practice, and by the unjustified advantage enjoyed by the ruling parties;

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Reiterates its profound sadness about the deadly, devastating earthquakes that shook south-eastern Türkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023 and its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families; ~~welcomes the international relief and recovery effort, including by the EU and its Member States;~~ is concerned that the earthquake uncovered failings such as government unpreparedness, crumbling infrastructure, and widespread corruption; welcomes the international relief and recovery effort, including by the EU and its Member States; calls for a continued EU engagement in the region and for the provision of adequate humanitarian assistance to the affected populations;

Amendment 113 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Reiterates its profound sadness about the deadly, devastating earthquakes that shook south-eastern Türkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023 and its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families; welcomes the international relief and recovery effort, in~~cluding~~ particular by the EU and its Member States, which has demonstrated strong European solidarity with the Turkish people; believes that the EU should continue to support the people of Türkiye for its humanitarian needs and reconstruction efforts; underlines that European solidarity could lead to a tangible improvement in relations between the EU and Türkiye;

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Reiterates its profound sadness about the deadly, devastating earthquakes that shook south-eastern Türkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023 and its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families; welcomes the international relief and recovery effort, including by the EU and its Member States; regrets that during the critical hours following the earthquake access to the internet and social media was significantly limited, which affected rescue efforts, and journalists were targeted, which impeded the free flow of information;

Amendment 115 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Reiterates its profound sadness about the deadly, devastating earthquakes that shook south-eastern Türkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023 and its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families; welcomes the international relief and recovery effort, including by the EU and its Member States; further welcomes the substantial pledges made at the donors’ conference convened by the European Commission and Swedish Council Presidency, and resolves to continue supporting the people of Türkiye and Syria in the future rehabilitation efforts;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Reiterates its profound sadness about the deadly, devastating earthquakes that shook south-eastern Türkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023 and its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families; welcomes the international relief and recovery effort, the organization of the International Donor's conference for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria in Brussels and the pledge of 6 billion euros of humanitarian aid for recovery and reconstruction in Turkey, including by the EU and its Member States;

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

Amendment 118 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Evin INCIR, Costas MAVRIDES

Amendment 119 #

Isabel SANTOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)

– having regard to the restrictive measures framework established by the EU on 11 November 2019, as a response to Türkiye’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, as most recently renewed by Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2186 of 8 November 2022,

Amendment 120 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Reiterates its profound sadness about the deadly, devastating earthquakes that shook south-eastern Tüurkiyey and Syria on 6 February 2023 and its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families; welcomes the international relief and recovery effort, including by the EU and its Member States;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point 1 (new)

(1) Reminds Turkiye that, as a candidate country, it is required to align itself with the EU Acquis in all aspects, including values, interests, standards and policies, to respect and uphold the Copenhagen criteria, to align with EU policies and objectives, and to pursue and maintain good neighbourly relations with the EU and all its Member States without discrimination;

Amendment 122 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Calls on the EU and Member States as well as all other international donors to deliver on their pledges made at the donorsʼ conference and ensure that the design, implementation and oversight of reconstruction and disaster response is transparent, sustainable and safe and puts in place the necessary mechanisms to closely monitor that all people in need have equal access to the earthquake aid response and are not discriminated against on the basis of their nationality or status;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Reminds Türkiye that, as a candidate country, it is required to align itself with the EU acquis in all aspects, including values, interests, standards and policies, to respect and uphold the Copenhagen criteria, to align with EU policies and objectives, and to pursue and maintain good neighbourly relations with the EU and all its Member States without discrimination;

Amendment 124 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. Regrets that, during the reporting period, limited or no progress at all has been registered in most fields. There was serious backsliding in key areas such as democracy, rule of law, fundamental rights and the independence of the press and the judiciary. In the field of good neighbourly relations, Türkiye’s aggression against Greece reached unprecedented levels up until the devastating earthquakes of February 2023;

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is of the opinion that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine continues to impact EU-Türkiye relations in ways that are yet to unfold; reiterates its appreciation for Türkiye’s role as an early mediator between Ukraine and Russia and the key part played by Türkiye in brokering and keeping alive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has been crucial in helping to counter a severe global hunger crisis; notes that with regard to hybrid threats, in the context of international conflicts and crises, the circulation of false information and propaganda on social and mainstream media was observed also in the Turkish information environment; condemns the fact that Türkiye did not restrict the operations of Russian media outlets in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine; underlines that Türkiye’s CFSP alignment rate slipped to an all-time low of 7 %, compared to 11 % in 2021; regrets that Türkiye does not support sanctions outside the UN framework and hence continues not to align with EU restrictive measures, including economic sanctions; deplores that Türkiye continues to obstruct the accession of EU Member States to international organisations, such as preventing the participation of the Republic of Cyprus in the Conference on Disarmament;

Amendment 127 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is of the opinion that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine continues to impact EU-Türkiye relations ~~in ways that are yet to unfold~~as Türkiye attempts to uphold ties to both the West and Russia simultaneously; regrets and is deeply concerned that Türkiye’s alignment with the EU CFSP decreased from 14% to 7% in the context of the Russian War in Ukraine; therefore, calls on Türkiye to make significant steps on alignment to the EU’s CSFP as soon as possible, including on sanctions and the anti-circumvention of sanctions, as Türkiye has an instrumental key role to play in further isolating Russia and strategically weakening its war efforts; reiterates its appreciation for Türkiye’s role as an early mediator between Ukraine and Russia and the key part played by Türkiye in brokering and keeping alive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has been crucial in helping to counter a severe global hunger crisis;

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is of the opinion that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine continues to impact EU-Türkiye relations in ways that are yet to unfold; welcomes Türkiye's condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country; reiterates its appreciation for Türkiye’s role as an early mediator between Ukraine and Russia and the key part played by Türkiye in brokering and keeping alive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has been crucial in helping to counter a severe global hunger crisis;

Amendment 129 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is of the opinion that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine continues to impact EU-Türkiye relations in ways that are yet to unfold; acknowledges Türkiye’s vote in favour of UN General Assembly resolutions condemning the Russian aggression against Ukraine; reiterates its appreciation for Türkiye’s role as an early mediator between Ukraine and Russia and the key part played by Türkiye in brokering and keeping alive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has been crucial in helping to counter a severe global hunger crisis;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)

– having regard to the declaration issued by the European Community and its Member States on 21 September 2005, including the provision that the recognition of all Member States is a necessary component of the negotiations, and to the need for Türkiye to proceed to the normalization of its relations with all Member States and to fully implement the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States, by removing all obstacles to the free movement of goods, including restrictions on means of transport, without prejudice and discrimination,

Amendment 130 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. IDeplores Turkey’s weak level of alignment on the EU foreign and security policy; is of the opinion that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine continues to impact EU-Türkiye relations in ways that are yet to unfold; ~~reiterates its appreciation for Türkiye’s role as an early mediator between Ukraine and Russia and~~welcomes Türkiye’s aim to facilitate talks between Ukraine and Russia and reiterates its appreciation for the key part played by Türkiye together with the UN in brokering and keeping alive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has been crucial in helping to counter a severe global hunger crisis;

Amendment 131 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is of the opinion that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine continues to impact EU-Türkiye relations in ways that are yet to unfold fully; reiterates its appreciation for Türkiye’s role as an early mediator between Ukraine and Russia and the key part played by Türkiye in brokering and keeping alive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has been crucial in helping to counter a severe global hunger crisis, especially in the Horn of Africa;

Amendment 132 #

David McALLISTER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is of the opinion that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine continues to impact EU-Tüurkiyey relations in ways that are yet to unfold; reiterates its appreciation for Tüurkiyey’s role as an early mediator between Ukraine and Russia and the key part played by Tüurkiyey in brokering and keeping alive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has been crucial in helping to counter a severe global hunger crisis;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is of the opinion that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine ~~continues to impact EU-Türkiye relations in ways that are yet to unfold; reiterates its appreciation for Türkiye’s role as an early mediator between Ukraine and Russia and~~has added another dimension to EU-Türkiye relations; reiterates its appreciation for Türkiye’s role as NATO member and supporter of Ukrainian sovereignty; welcomes the key part played by Türkiye in brokering and keeping alive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has been crucial in helping to counter a severe global hunger crisis;

Amendment 135 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – point 1 (new)

(1) Regrets Turkiye's continued denial of access to vessels under the flag of one Member State, namely the Republic of Cyprus, to the Straights of Bosphorus and the Dardanelles as well as the additional unilateral measures taken on the flow of ships, which added substantial complexity to the transport of Ukrainian grain to ports outside Turkiye;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Regrets Türkiye’s continued denial of access to vessels under the flag of one Member State, namely the Republic of Cyprus, to the Straits of Bosporus and the Dardanelles, as well as the additional unilateral measures taken on the flow of ships which complicated the transport of Ukrainian grain to ports outside Türkiye;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 138 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Acknowledge~~Notes that the trade between Türkiye and Russia nearly doubled since the start of the War in Ukraine, and that there is an elevated risk that sanctioned goods and technologies, such as semiconductors, could pass through Turkish territory; Acknowledges Türkiye´s decision to halt the transit of sanctioned goods as well as the partial measures taken in recent months by the Turkish authorities to prevent the re- exportation to Russia of goods covered by EU sanctions~~, but urges them to go further in order to ensure that Türkiye stops being a hub for entities and individuals that wish to circumvent such sanctions;~~ ; however, urges Türkiye to fully ensure that circumvention of sanctions shall never take place on its territory, and that it shall take all necessary steps to stop circumvention, including by punishing entities and individuals; in this regard, calls on the Commission to investigate the increase in trade between Russia and Türkiye and assess the relevant trade flows that could point towards circumvention of sanctions; is concerned about the presence of an increasing number of Russian citizens in Turkey, such as oligarchs, that take up residency in Türkiye, acquire citizenship, and invest their capital in real estate, and calls on Türkiye to avoid becoming a safe haven for Russian oligarchs;

Amendment 139 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Acknowledges the partial measures taken in recent months by the Turkish authorities to prevent the re-exportation to Russia of goods covered by EU sanctions, but urges them to go further in order to ensure that Türkiye stops being a hub for entities and individuals that wish to circumvent such sanctions; the European Union institutions and its member states have shown that, in recent international developments, the norms and values which are at the core of our European project, are becoming essential pillars in our external action, in relations with other global actors; this approach will only become stronger with time and we urge all our friends, allies and partners to take this seriously into account;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)

– having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1894 of 11 November 2019 concerning restrictive measures in view of Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, as most recently renewed by Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2186 of 8 November 2022

Amendment 140 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Acknowledges the~~Takes note of partial measures taken in recent months by the Turkish authorities to prevent the re-exportation to Russia of goods covered by EU sanctions~~, but urges them to go further in order to ensure that Türkiye stops being a hub for entities and individuals that wish to~~; underlines the paramount importance of preventing the circumvention of EU sanctions and urges Türkiye to ensure the full respect of those sanctions, in particular taking into account the free circulation of products, including dual- use goods, within the EU-Turkey Customs Union; highlights, its expectation that Turkey will avoid becoming a safe haven for Russian capital and investments, thus clearly circumvent ~~such~~ing EU sanctions;

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Acknowledges the partial measures taken in recent months by the Turkish authorities to prevent the re-exportation to Russia of goods in transit covered by EU sanctions, but urges them to go further in order to ensure that Türkiye stops being a hub for entities and individuals that wish to circumvent such sanctions; further expresses concern over the fact that increasing numbers of Russian citizens, including oligarchs, take up residency in major Turkish cities and coastal regions - contributing to high prices increases on the rental and property market- from where they continue with their business and trade operations bringing large amounts of Russian capital into the Turkish system;

Amendment 142 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. ARegrets that Türkiye has not aligned itself with EU sanctions in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; stresses the particular risk posed by sanction evasion allowing for dual-use technology transfers to Russia, which could ultimately be used by Russia's army in Ukraine; acknowledges the partial measures taken in recent months by the Turkish authorities to prevent the re- exportation to Russia of goods covered by EU sanctions, but urges them to go further in order to ensure that Türkiye stops being a hub for entities and individuals that wish to circumvent such sanctions;

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Acknowledges~~Takes note of the partial measures taken in recent months by the Turkish authorities to prevent the re-exportation to Russia of goods covered by EU sanctions~~, but urges them to go further in order to ensure that Türkiye stops being a hub for entities and individuals that wish to~~; underlines the paramount importance of preventing the circumvention of EU sanctions and urges Turkey to ensure the full respect of those sanctions, in particular taking into account the free circulation of products, including dual use goods, within the EU-Turkey Customs Union; highlights, its expectation that Turkey will avoid becoming a safe haven for Russian capital and investments, thus clearly circumvent ~~such~~ing EU sanctions;

Amendment 144 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Acknowledges the partial measures taken in recent months by the Turkish authorities to prevent the re-exportation to Russia of goods covered by EU sanctions, but ~~urges them to go further in order~~deplores that Turkey refrained from aligning with EU sanctions against Russia, which is undermining the work of the REPO Task Force fighting against the circumvention of sanctions; urges the Turkish authorities to take measures to ensure that Türkiye stops being a hub for entities and individuals that wish to circumvent such sanctions;

Amendment 145 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Malik AZMANI, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Acknowledges the partial measures taken in recent months by the Turkish authorities to prevent the re-exportation to Russia of goods covered by EU sanctions, but urges them to go further ~~in order to ensure that Türkiye~~by implementing regulatory and legislative changes in order to legally entrench Türkiye’s commitment to stops being a hub for entities and individuals that wish to circumvent such sanctions;

Amendment 146 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 147 #

David McALLISTER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Acknowledges the partial measures taken in recent months by the Turkish authorities to prevent the ~~re-exportation~~direct transit to Russia of goods covered by EU sanctions, but urges them to go further in order to ensure that Türkiye stops being a hub for entities and individuals that wish to circumvent such sanctions;

Amendment 148 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point 1 (new)

(1) Calls on Türkiye to fully align itself with the sanctions and restrictive measures taken by the EU against the Russian and Belarusian authorities and individuals responsible for the illegal agression against Ukraine; deplores the fact that circumvention of EU sanctions by Turkiye undermines the collective efforts of the EU and of its allies to limit Russia's ability to continue its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of agression against Ukraine;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)

– having regard to the restrictive measures’ framework established by the EU on 11 November 2019, as a result of the illegal drilling activities of Turkey in Eastern Mediterranean, which was renewed on 12 November 2020 and 12 November 2021,

Amendment 150 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Expresses concern about Türkiye’s close cooperation with Russia on the development of large nuclear power plants, including Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant which is being built, owned and will be operated by Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom; notes that a number of accidents and fire explosions have already occurred during the construction of the plant; warns that the impact of a failure in the safety systems or an earthquake poses a high risk with inevitably catastrophic consequences for the region; calls on the Turkish Government to stop the construction plans for the Akkuyu nuclear power plant;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls on Türkiye to fully align itself with the sanctions and restrictive measures taken by the EU against the Russian and Belarusian authorities and individuals responsible for the illegal aggression against Ukraine and avoid becoming a safe haven for Russian capital and investments. Deplores the fact that circumvention of EU sanctions by Türkiye undermines the collective efforts of the EU and of its allies to limit Russia’s ability to continue its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Regrets that the side-lining of Türkiye by the EU has resulted in Ankara's transactional relationship with Russia; warns that further alienation of Türkiye by the EU may push it towards even closer cooperation with hostile powers such as Russia and China;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 154 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Deplores, against the backdrop~~Strongly deplores, in the context of the war, the delaying of the ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession, following the previous delay of Finland’s NATO accession, which has only playsed into Russia’s hands; invites the Turkish authorities to deliver on their promise of a more constructive partnership in NATO and ~~to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership in the Grand National Assembly as early as possibl~~calls on Türkiye, following the ratification of Finland’s NATO membership in March, to also ratify Sweden’s NATO membership without any further delay, as now is the time to show unity and strength within NATO and further isolate Russia; calls on the Turkish government to overcome any tensions with NATO allies by halting actions that go against the collective interests of the alliance, such as its destabilising involvement in various conflicts in the region; calls on the EEAS to intensify transatlantic dialogue and cooperation with the Biden administration as regards the relations with Türkiye;

Amendment 155 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Deplores, against the backdrop of the war, the delaying of the ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession, which only plays into Russia’s hands; invites the Turkish authorities to deliver on their promise of a more constructive partnership in NATO and to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership in the Grand National Assembly as early as possible; deeply regrets the fact that Türkiye has failed to provide to Ukraine the Russian-built S400 missile defence system which is in Ankara’s possession; condemns Türkiye’s refusal to part with its investment in Russian S-400 air defence missiles despite falling foul of the US Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA); believes that, by certain non-collegial actions and also sometimes through inaction, Türkiye falls short of delivering what is expected from a NATO member and ally;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Deplores, against the backdrop of the war, the delaying of the ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession, which only plays into Russia’s hands; invites the Turkish authorities to deliver on their promise of a more constructive partnership in NATO and to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership in the Grand National Assembly as early as possible; denounces in this context the anti-EU and anti- Western rhetoric by the ruling parties and the president during the election campaign as well as attempts to undermine democratic freedoms in EU Member States by the instrumentalisation of accession consent vis-a-vis Sweden;

Amendment 157 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Deplores, against the backdrop of the ~~war~~Russian invasion of Ukraine and changing security architecture on the European continent, the delaying of the ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession, which only plays into Russia’s hands~~; invites~~ and undermines relations between Türkiye and its NATO allies; calls on the Turkish authorities to deliver on their promise of a more constructive partnership in NATO, including in the East Mediterranean, and to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership in the Grand National Assembly as early as possible;

Amendment 158 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. DFurther deplores, against the backdrop of the war, the delaying of the ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession, which only plays into Russia’s hands; invites the Turkish authorities to deliver on their promise of a more constructive partnership in NATO and to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership in the Grand National Assembly as early as possible;

Amendment 159 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Deplores, against the backdrop of the war, the delaying of the ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession, which only plays into Russia’s hands; ~~invit~~urges the Turkish authorities to deliver on their promise of a more constructive partnership in NATO and to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership in the Grand National Assembly as early as possible;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 c (new)

– having regard to the Council Conclusions of 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022 to the effect that the accession negotiations effectively have come to a standstill and no further chapters can be considered for opening or closing and no further work towards the modernisation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union is foreseen,

Amendment 160 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 161 #

Tom VANDENKENDELAERE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 162 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Deplor~~Notes, against the backdrop of the war, the delaying of the ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession, which only plays into Russia’s hands; invites the Turkish authorities to deliver on their promise of a more constructive partnership in NATO and to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership in the Grand National Assembly as early as possible;

Amendment 163 #

David McALLISTER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 164 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Is concerned about foreign interference by the Turkish state in EU Member States which is directed towards European citizens of Turkish origins, such as in the Netherlands, where 40% of the Dutch-Turkish citizens have expressed the need to receive more protection against this foreign interference; calls on the Commission to implement the recommendations of the ING2 Committee in the Defence of Democracy Package to counter foreign interference by foreign authorities; calls on the EEAS StratCom divisions to document suspicions of Turkish disinformation directed at the EU and to report its findings to the European Parliament;

Amendment 165 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Hilde VAUTMANS, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Takes note with deep concern of reports about Turkey’s violation of the UN arms embargo in Libya; deplores the persistent absence of efficient cooperation between NATO Operation Sea Guardian and EU Operation IRINI, due to Turkey’s opposition to this cooperation, which is detrimental to the implementation of the UN arms embargo;

Amendment 166 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Evin INCIR, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Reiterates that Türkiye, being a NATO member, is an indispensable partner for the EU in terms of regional stability; stresses that the EU should engage more with Türkiye on issues such as migration and tackling Russian imperialism;

Amendment 167 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5b. Regrets that the unresolved conflict in Cyprus continues to be a major obstacle to EU-Türkiye relations and reaffirms that the only viable solution is a settlement on the basis of a bi-communal and bi-zonal federation;

Amendment 168 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Hilde VAUTMANS, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5b. Condemns the air strikes and repeated attacks against the autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq, which disregard Iraq's sovereignty;

Amendment 169 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)

5c. Commends Türkiye’s efforts to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world of almost 4 million people; welcomes, in this regard, the continued provision of EU funding for refugees and host communities in Türkiye and expresses its strong commitment to sustain this in the future; recognizes the migratory pressure Türkiye is facing, but firmly objects to any instrumentalisation of migrants by the Turkish government;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 d (new)

– having regard to Article 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which states that the contracting parties undertake to abide by the final judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in any case to which they are parties, and therefore to the obligation of Türkiye to implement all judgments of the European courts, including the ECtHR,

Amendment 170 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Hilde VAUTMANS, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)

5c. Condemns the air strikes and the recent retaliatory strikes in Northern Syria; recalls that these actions put the gains of the Global Coalition against Daesh made in the fight against the Islamic State in jeopardy; reiterates that ground incursion into Syria would have grave implications for international security;

Amendment 171 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Evin INCIR, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Considers that, in terms of human rights and the rule of law, the desolate picture painted in its resolution of 7 June 2022 on the 2021 Commission Report on Turkey remains valid, and reiterates the content of that resolution; fully endorses the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 12 October 2022, and the related report by its Monitoring Committee, on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Türkiye; calls on Türkiye to fully implement all judgements of the European Courts, including the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in line with Article 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as the payment of just satisfaction awarded by the ECtHR, an unconditional obligation deriving from Türkiye’s membership of the Council of Europe;

Amendment 172 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Considers that, in terms of human rights and the rule of law, the desolate picture painted in its resolution of 7 June 2022 on the 2021 Commission Report on Turkey remains valid, and reiterates the content of that resolution; fully endorses the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 12 October 2022, and the related report by its Monitoring Committee, on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Türkiye; deplores the targeting of political parties, human rights defenders and media which represents major setbacks for human rights and runs counter to Turkiye’s obligations to respect democracy, the rule of law and women’s rights; dialogue on such issues remains an integral part of the EU-Turkey relationship;

Amendment 173 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Considers that, in terms of human rights and the rule of law, the desolate picture painted in its resolution of 7 June 2022 on the 2021 Commission Report on Turkey remains valid, and reiterates the content of that resolution; fully endorses the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 12 October 2022, and the related report by its Monitoring Committee, on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Türkiye; calls on Turkey to fully implement all judgements of the European Court of Human Rights in line with Article 46 of the ECHR, as well as the payment of just satisfaction awarded by the ECtHR, an unconditional obligation deriving from Turkey’s membership of the Council of Europe;

Amendment 174 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Considers that, in terms of human rights and the rule of law, the desolate picture painted in its resolution of 7 June 2022 on the 2021 Commission Report on Turkey remains valid, and reiterates the content of that resolution; fully endorses the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 12 October 2022, and the related report by its Monitoring Committee, on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Türkiye, as well as the resolutions adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe pending the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights;

Amendment 175 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Considers that, in terms of human rights and the rule of law, the desolate picture painted in its resolution of 7 June 2022 on the 2021 Commission Report on Turkey remains valid, and reiterates the content of that resolution; fully endorses the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 12 October 2022, and the related report by its Monitoring Committee, on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Türkiye, which depict in detail the wide range of serious shortfalls in human rights, as constantly reported by local and international renown human rights organizations;

Amendment 176 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

Amendment 177 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point 1 (new)

(1) Calls Turkey to recognize the legal personality and the public use of the ecclesiastical title of the Ecumenical Patriarchate;

Amendment 178 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point 2 (new)

(2) Regrets that no steps have been taken to open the Halki Greek Orthodox Seminary which remains closed since 1971;

Amendment 179 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point 3 (new)

(3) Underlines that the decisions to turn Hagia Sophia and the Church of Holy Saviour of Chora into mosques, in July 2020 and August 2020 respectively, constitute serious challenges to inter-faith and intercultural dialogue in the region;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 e (new)

– having regard to the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council on Cyprus, including resolution 550 (1984) of 11 May 1984 on secessionist actions in Cyprus and resolution 789 (1992) of 25 November 1992 which consider attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible, and call for the transfer of that area to the administration of the United Nations, urging all concerned in the Cyprus question to commit themselves to the confidence-building measures set out in the resolution,

Amendment 180 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point 4 (new)

(4) Reminds that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee by its decision adopted during its 44th Session in July 2021 has expressed great concern about the potential impact of status change on the Outstanding Universal Value of Hagia Sophia and has called on Turkiye to engage in international cooperation and dialogue before any further major changes are implemented on the property.

Amendment 181 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point 5 (new)

(5) Calls on Turkey to fully implement the recommendations of the Council of Europe on protecting minority property rights and education rights and to put in place mechanisms to support the participation of minorities in public administration. Moreover, to continue the reform process and to introduce legislation which makes it possible for all non-Muslim religious communities to acquire legal personality us underlined in the Venice Commission in 2010;

Amendment 182 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point 6 (new)

(6) Reminds that past discriminatory policies implemented by Turkiye have brought the Greek minority to the verge of extinction;

Amendment 183 #

David LEGA, Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE, Lukas MANDL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point 7 (new)

(7) Calls Turkiye to actively support the repatriation of all members of Non- Muslim minorities including the descendants of the expatriated members of the Greek Orthodox Minority in line with the guidelines of U.N General Assembly Resolution 60/147;

Amendment 184 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Expresses concern about the widespread hate speech and discrimination against the LGBT+ community;

Amendment 185 #

David LEGA, Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE, Lukas MANDL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Is concerned about the continued hate speech and hate crimes against Jews and Christians, including the Armenians; deplores that antisemitic rhetoric is widespread in print media and on social media; commends the Turkish government for commemorating the International Holocaust Remembrance Day in January in an effort to combat antisemitism and Holocaust distortion;

Amendment 186 #

David LEGA, Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE, Lukas MANDL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)

6c. Deplores that vandalism and destruction of religious sites and cemeteries belonging to minorities continues; calls on the Turkish authorities to effectively investigate and prosecute the persons responsible;

Amendment 187 #

David LEGA, Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE, Lukas MANDL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)

6d. Calls on Türkiye to rapidly adopt an effective national action plan to combat child marriages and forced marriages;

Amendment 188 #

David LEGA, Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE, Lukas MANDL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 e (new)

6e. Expresses concern over the clashes between marchers and the police on March 8, when hundreds of women and LGBT+ activists participated in the 20th annual Women’s March in Istanbul;

Amendment 189 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Is dismayed by the fact that, far from the negative trend stopping or being reversed, the democratic backsliding in Türkiye has continued in the last year, with ~~new legal reforms~~several laws being amended, including the Internet Law, the Press Law, and the Turkish Penal Code that tighten online censorship and restrict access to information under the guise of preventing misinformation and a relentless crackdown on any critical voice, particularly ahead of and during the recent elections; affirms with regret that Türkiye has ~~now become a global showcase for all kinds of authoritarian practices~~consolidated all kinds of authoritarian practices; reiterates its concern about the Turkish governmentʼs control of the internet, in particular Law No. 5651 (on Regulating Publication on the Internet and Combatting Crimes Committed Through Such Publication) which has been used as a vehicle for blocking access to internet sites and individual URLs leading to 467,000 websites blocked at the end of 2020;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5

– having regard to the Commission communication of 12 October 2022 on EU Enlargement Policy (COM(2022)0528) and to the accompanying Tüurkiyey 2022 Report (SWD(2022)0333),

Amendment 190 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Is dismayed by the fact that, far from the negative trend stopping or being reversed, the democratic backsliding in Türkiye has continued in the last year, with new legal reforms and a relentless crackdown on any critical voice, particularly ahead of and during the recent elections; affirms with regret that Türkiye has now become a global showcase for all kinds of authoritarian practices; calls on the Turkish authorities to allow civil society organisations, lawyers and other legal representatives, and the press to function in accordance with their duties and within their remit and scope and to exercise their profession freely, as this provides for an overall healthier democracy and society;

Amendment 191 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Is dismayed by~~Deeply regrets the fact that, far from the negative trend stopping or being reversed, the democratic backsliding in Türkiye has continued in the last year, with new legal reforms and a relentless crackdown on any critical voice, particularly ahead of and during the recent elections; affirms with regret that Türkiye has now become a global showcase for all kinds of authoritarian practices; is deeply concerned that members of the opposition have come under increasing pressure, in certain cases leading to imprisonment; condemns the high number of imprisoned journalists and media employees; deplores the increasing online restrictions and censorship imposed by the Disinformation Law;

Amendment 192 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Is dismayed by the fact that, far from the negative trend stopping or being reversed, the democratic backsliding in Türkiye has continued in the last year, with new legal reforms and a relentless crackdown on any critical voice, particularly ahead of and during the recent elections; affirms with regret that Türkiye has now become a global showcase for all kinds of authoritarian practices; calls on all elected political parties to uphold democratic values and principles and take active part in the political life and parliamentary work in order to support Turkish democracy;

Amendment 193 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Is dismayed by the fact that, far from the negative trend stopping or being reversed, the democratic backsliding in Türkiye has continued in the last year, with new legal reforms and a relentless crackdown on any critical voice, particularly ahead of and during the recent elections; affirms with regret that Türkiye has now become a global showcase for all kinds of authoritarian practices; it is concerned that after the last elections, repression and persecution of political opposition will intensify due to the worsening of the country's economic situation;

Amendment 194 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Is dismayed by the fact that, far from the negative trend stopping or being reversed, the democratic backsliding in Türkiye has continued in the last year, with new legal reforms and a relentless crackdown on any critical voice, ~~particularly ahead of~~especially the pro-Kurdish democratic opposition, intensified before and during the recent elections; affirms with regret that Türkiye has now become a global showcase for all kinds of authoritarian practices;

Amendment 195 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Is dismayed by the fact that, far from the negative trend stopping or being reversed, the democratic backsliding in Türkiye has continued in the last year, with new legal ~~reform~~changes and a relentless crackdown on any critical voice, particularly ahead of and during the recent elections; affirms with regret that Türkiye has now become a global showcase for all kinds of authoritarian practices;

Amendment 196 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Is dismayed by the fact that, far from the negative trend stopping or being reversed, the democratic backsliding in Tüurkiyey has continued in the last year, with new legal reforms and a relentless crackdown on any critical voice, particularly ahead of and during the recent elections; affirms with regret that Tüurkiyey has now become a global showcase for all kinds of authoritarian practices;

Amendment 197 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

Amendment 198 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Hilde VAUTMANS, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Expresses its strong concern about the draconian disinformation law adopted in October 2022 that tightens government control over social media platforms and online news sites, introducing prison sentences for the publishing of "disinformation and fake news"; holds that the bill´s vague definition of “disinformation” and “intent” puts millions of Türkiye’s Internet users, including small and medium-sized enterprises, at risk of criminal action for posting information with which the government disagrees and hence instigates self-censorship through intimidation; holds that the disinformation law deals yet another blow to the freedom of expression in Türkiye, not only for media outlets but Turkish society at large, that increasingly uses the Internet for the free flow of information; denounces that the Turkish government with the social media law in 2020, the anti-money laundering law in 2021 and the disinformation law in 2022 built a complex web of legislation serving as a tool to systematically control and silence journalists, media workers, civil society organisations, political activists, academics and artists: is appalled that at least 61 journalists and media workers are still in prison, facing charges or appealing convictions of mainly terrorism-related crimes;

Amendment 199 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Condemns the continued prosecution, censorship and harassment of journalists and independent media in Türkiye; is concerned as well by the targeting of journalists and political opponents originating from Türkiye in the European Union;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)

– having regard to Article 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which states that the contracting parties undertake to abide by the final judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in any case to which they are parties, and, therefore, to the obligation of Türkiye to implement all judgements of the ECtHR, — having regard to Article 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which states that the contracting parties undertake to abide by the final judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in any case to which they are parties, and, therefore, to the obligation of Türkiye to implement all judgements of the ECtHR,

Amendment 20 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Hilde VAUTMANS, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)

– Having regard to its previous resolutions, in particular those of 15 April 2015 on the centenary of the Armenian Genocide,

Amendment 200 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7b. Is worried by the increasing number of fake news in the Turkish social media environment; is also worried by the spread of state propaganda, in particular from the state-run news agency Anadolu;

Amendment 201 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Remains deeply concerned about the lack of independence of the judiciary, the continued breach of the obligation to abide by the landmark rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, the serious restrictions on fundamental freedoms – particularly freedom of expression and of association – and the constant attacks on the fundamental rights of members of the opposition, lawyers, journalists, academics and civil society activists in Türkiye; is particularly worried by the continued crackdown on Kurdish politicians, journalists, lawyers and artists; expresses concern about the deterioration of the rights of women and the constant targeting and harassment of LGBTI+ people, both of whomcondemns the oppression of ethnic and religious minorities, including the prohibition of languages from groups such as the Kurdish community as a mother tongue in education and in all areas of public life by the Turkish Constitution and reiterates that this constitutes a violation of international law; regrets the lack of progress in addressing the long-standing grievances of the Kurdish population and stresses the urgency of resuming a credible political process involving all relevant parties and democratic forces and leading to a peaceful settlement of the Kurdish issue; is particularly worried by the continued crackdown on Kurdish politicians, journalists, lawyers and artists; and calls on Turkish authorities to stop the continued and systematic harassment and intimidation and actively engage in fostering dialogue and facilitating a constructive process that leads to reconciliation and the realization of Kurdish rights within the framework of a democratic Türkiye; strongly condemns the serious deterioration of the rights of women in Turkiye; expresses deep concern at the increasing number of femicide cases following Turkiye withdrawal from the Instanbul Convention, which reflects the challenges in providing effective protection to women in Turkey who report domestic violence; deplores the constant targeting and harassment of LGBTI+ people, and the use of anti-LGBTI rethoric by politicians and high-level public officials; regrets that, since 2014, the authorities have banned Pride parades in major cities, including in Istanbul; recalls that Turkey’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights entail a responsibility to combat discrimination and violence against LGBTI persons and urges the Turkish authorities to deliver on their commitments, adding sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics to be added as protected grounds in anti- discrimination provisions; is concerned that women, LGBTI+ and minorities could see their rights further curtailed by the possible amendments to Türkiye’s constitution;

Amendment 202 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Remains deeply concerned about the lack of independence of the judiciary and the political instrumentaisation of the judicial system, the continued breach of the obligation to abide by the landmark rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, the serious restrictions on fundamental freedoms – particularly freedom of expression and of association – and the constant attacks on the fundamental rights of members of the opposition, human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, academics and civil society activists in Türkiye~~; is particularly worried by the continued crackdown on Kurdish politicians, journalists, lawyers and artists~~ including through judicial and administrative harassment, the arbitrary use of anti-terror laws, stigmatization and closure cases against associations; denounces the politically motivated verdict of the Gezi trial handed down on 25 April 2022, imposing an aggravated life sentence on prominent human rights defender Osman Kavala and 18 years of prison to seven defendants, confirming the lack of impartiality of the judiciary; is particularly worried by the continued crackdown on Kurdish politicians, journalists, lawyers and artists including mass detentions prior to the elections, as well as the ongoing closure case against the People’s Democratic Party (HDP); expresses its deep concern about the deterioration of the rights of women, the increase in femicides, and the constant targeting and harassment of LGBTI+ people~~, both of whom could see their rights further curtailed by the possible amendments to Türkiye’s constitution;~~ ; condemns the Turkish dismantling of womenʼs rights, particularly its withdrawal from the Istanbul convention as well as its aggressive anti-LGBTIQ+ campaign, characterised by excessive hate-speech of senior political figures, including the president who called LGBTIQ people “deviants” who spread like “the plague” and “a poison injected into the family”; is deeply worried that under the new Turkish government both women and the LGBTIQ+ community could see their rights further curtailed by the possible amendments to Türkiye’s constitution; calls on the Turkish authorities to desist from spreading hate speech and misinformation about LGBTIQ+ people, prevent and combat violence against women and girls, support survivors, and to hold abusers to account by fully implementing Türkiye’s Law no. 6284;

Amendment 203 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 204 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. ~~Remains deeply concerned about~~Condemns the lack of independence of the judiciary~~, the continued breach of the obligation to abide by the landmark rulings of the European Court of Human Rights,~~ and stresses that this area is of highest concern to the EU, as it represents the keystone of a functioning democratic system that works in the service and for the benefit of the population; remains concerned about the serious restrictions on fundamental freedoms – particularly freedom of expression and of association – and the constant attacks on the fundamental rights of members of the opposition, lawyers, journalists, academics and civil society activists in Türkiye and the continued breach of the obligation to abide by the landmark rulings of the European Court of Human Rights; is particularly worried by the continued crackdown on Kurdish politicians, journalists, lawyers and artists; expresses deep concern about the deterioration of the rights of vulnerable groups (including ethnic, religious and sexual minorities), the rights of women and the constant targeting and harassment of LGBTI+ people, both of whom could see their rights further curtailed by the possible amendments to Türkiye’s constitution; deeply regrets the fact that Türkiye was the first country to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention; urges the Turkish government to abide by and to act in conformity with the international treaties, covenants and obligations it is part of;

Amendment 205 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Remains deeply concerned about ~~the lack of independence of the judiciary,~~ the continued breach of the obligation to abide by the landmark rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, the serious restrictions on fundamental freedoms – particularly freedom of expression ~~and~~, of association and of assembly – and the constant attacks on the fundamental rights of members of the opposition, lawyers, journalists, academics and civil society activists in Türkiye; is particularly worried by the continued crackdown on Kurdish politicians, journalists, lawyers and artists; expresses concern about the deterioration of the rights of women and the constant targeting and harassment of LGBTI+ people, both of whom could see their rights further curtailed by the possible amendments to Türkiye’s constitutionstresses the need for a free, transparent and balanced media landscape;

Amendment 206 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 207 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 208 #

Dietmar KÖSTER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 209 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 21 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 7

– having regard to the results of the presidential and parliamentary elections held in Tüurkiyey on 14 May 2023 and the second round of the presidential elections of 28 May 2023,

Amendment 210 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Strongly condemns the crackdown on Turkey's HDP party and the banning proceedings against the HDP in Turkey, which have been ongoing since 2021; stresses that despite repeated messages from Europe and the international community the Turkish authorities continue their attacks against pro- Kurdish politicians and opposition figures; notes that these developments represent a further step backwards in terms of respect for human rights and freedom of expression and that Turkey moves even further away from EU values; Calls on Turkey to release all political prisoners and pro-Kurdish politicians who have been innocently imprisoned for years and decades without fair trials.

Amendment 211 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Reiterates relevant ECtHR decisions and calls on the Turkish Government to immediately stop the violation of the human rights of the Cypriot citizens and stop depriving them of the enjoyment and exercise of their property, religious and other human rights stemming from the constitutional order of the Republic of Cyprus and the acquis communautaire, as well as the fundamental principles and values of the EU;

Amendment 212 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Remains deeply concerned about the lack of independence of the judiciary; urges the government to ensure due process and the right to a fair trial to all; expresses concern about reports of excessive violence being imposed on prisoners; strongly stresses the need to ensure humane treatment of all prisoners, in accordance with basic human rights;

Amendment 213 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Condemns the fact that freedom of assembly, guaranteed by the Constitution of Türkiye, has been severely restricted, among others in the case of the “Saturday Mothers”, whose gathering in Istanbul has been repeatedly banned by local authorities despite a Constitutional Court decision upholding this group’s rights to peacefully protest;

Amendment 214 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)

8b. Calls on Türkiye to cooperate with relevant international organizations, especially the Council of Europe, in preventing and combatting illicit trafficking and the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage within Turkey and the occupied part of Cyprus; stresses the importance of pursuing dialogue with relevant international organisations and the EU on the preservation of cultural and religious heritage;

Amendment 215 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)

8b. Condemns the ongoing Turkish attacks on Iraqi territory and the continued military presence on Iraqi territory, in particular the attacks on the Yazidi-majority Sinjar region, which are preventing the return of Yazidis and Assyrians who fled the so called "Islamic State" in 2014; calls for respect of Iraq's sovereignty and no further destabilization of Iraq;

Amendment 216 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)

8b. Is particularly worried by the continued crackdown on Kurdish politicians, journalists, lawyers and artists; condemns Türkiye’s military action in Syria; calls on Turkey to end its occupation of Syrian territories and its impact on the Kurdish population;

Amendment 217 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)

8c. Condemns Turkey's continued occupation of Syrian territory, in particular the Kurdish-majority regions of Afrin and Ras al-Ain/Sere Kaniye; regrets that the occupation was accompanied by the fight of a large part of the population there and whose return to this day is made impossible due to Turkish occupation and the Turkey allied local Islamist militias; Is deeply concerned about the catastrophic situation of the Yazidis, Assyrians, and Alevis, particularly the situation of the Assyrians in the Khabour region since the Turkish occupation of Afrin in 2018 and Ras al-Ain in 2019 due to the Islamist militias; Calls on Turkey to evacuate at least these regions and allow the displaced civilian population to return;

Amendment 218 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)

8c. Expresses concern about the deterioration of the rights of women and the constant targeting and harassment of LGBTI+ people, both of whom could see their rights further curtailed by the possible amendments to Türkiye’s constitution; in this regard, urges Türkiye to re-join to the Istanbul Convention;

Amendment 219 #

Isabel SANTOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 d (new)

8d. Recognizes Türkiye’s hosting of 4 million refugees and the challenges stemming from those efforts; reiterates that returns of refugees should only happen on a voluntary basis, if and only if are done safely; firmly objects to any instrumentalisation and weaponisation of migrants by the Turkish Government; underlines the need to ensure the protection of all refugees’ and migrant’s rights and freedoms;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8

– having regard to the statements of preliminary findings and conclusions of 14 May 2023 and 28 May 2023 of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) international election observation mission to the Republic of Tüurkiyey,

Amendment 220 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Expresses its strong concern over the continued hyper-concentration of power in the Turkish presidency, without any effective checks and balances, which has seriously eroded the democratic institutions in the country; criticises that the Balkan factor is becoming an even more influential force in Turkish politics affecting the country’s foreign policy by extent, and that domestic politics are shaping Ankara’s Balkan policy; notes that it is estimated that up to 18 million Turkish citizens have origins from the Balkans; underlines that there are special ties with countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, which is Türkiye’s most important interlocutor on Balkan affairs.

Amendment 221 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Expresses its strong concern over the continued hyper-concentration of power in the Turkish presidency, without any effective checks and balances, which has seriously eroded the democratic institutions in the country; stresses that the lack of autonomy in multiple levels of the administration due to extreme dependency for all sorts of decisions under a one-man rule can derive into a dysfunctional system as demonstrated in the slow reaction to the devastating consequences of the February earthquakes;

Amendment 222 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Reiterates its strong condemnation of Turkey’s withdrawal, by presidential decree, from the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention);a decision that is particularly alarming against the background of continuing high number of femicides in the country; in deploring this decision it underlines that it constitutes an enormous set back to efforts to promote women’s rights in the country and reiterates its call on Turkey’s Government to reverse this unacceptable decision;

Amendment 223 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Takes note of the entry into Parliament of far-right Islamist parties in the last election as part of the ruling coalition; is concerned by the increasing weight of the Islamist agenda in law- making and in many spheres of the public administration, including through the raising influence of the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in the education system;

Amendment 224 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

~~10.~~ Concludes that the Turkish ~~10.~~ Government has no interest in closing the persistent and growing gap between Türkiye and the EU on values and standards, as it has shown, for the past few years, a clear lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address, in particular, the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the country’s EU accession process; criticises the fact that Türkiye made no progress in meeting the six unfulfilled benchmarks of the visa liberalisation roadmap, namely on the anti-terror law, personal data protection legislation, the implementation of the EU- Türkiye readmission agreement, conclusion of an international agreement with the EU on Europol, implementation of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) recommendations on anti- corruption, and the judicial cooperation with all EU Member States; stresses that negotiations are ongoing with a view to concluding an international agreement between the EU and Türkiye on Europol;

Amendment 225 #

Malik AZMANI, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Concludes that the Turkish Government has no interest in closing the persistent and growing gap between Türkiye and the EU on values and standards, as it has shown, for the past few years, a clear lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address, in particular, the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights and normalise its relations with EU Member States that continue to negatively affect the country’s EU accession process; notes with concern that there are still no signs of implementing the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and consequently releasing political prisoners such as Osman Kavala and Selahattin Demirtas;

Amendment 226 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Concludes that the Turkish Government has no interest in closing the persistent and growing gap between Türkiye and the EU on values and standards, as it has shown, for the past few years, a clear lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms ~~to address,~~ in particular~~, the serious concerns about~~ regarding the rule of law and fundamental rights ~~that continue to negatively affect the country’s EU accession process~~; furthermore, concludes that the Turkish government has not shown any interest to respect and uphold the Copenhagen criteria and to align itself with EU policies and objectives; underlines, in this regard, that accession negotiations cannot be resumed;

Amendment 227 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Concludes that the Turkish Government has no interest in closing the persistent and growing gap between Türkiye and the EU on values and standards, as it has shown, for the past few years, a clear lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address, in particular, the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the country’s EU accession process; calls on the elected political parties to continue their democratic and parliamentary efforts in promoting the European path for Türkiye;

Amendment 228 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Concludes that the Turkish Government has no interest in closing the persistent and growing gap between Türkiye and the EU on values and standards, as it has shown, for the past few years, a clear lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address, in particular, the serious concerns about the rule of law ~~and~~, fundamental rights and the protection and inclusion of all ethnic, religious and sexual minorities that continue to negatively affect the country’s EU accession process;

Amendment 229 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Concludes that the Turkish Ggovernment has no interest in closing the persistent and growing gap between Türkiye and the EU on values and standards, as it has shown, for the past few years, a clear lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address, in particular, the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the country’s EU accession processt reversed the negative trend in relation to reforms that concerns on the deterioration of democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights and the independence of the judiciary; is concerned that Türkiye’s foreign policy continued to be at odds with the EU priorities under the CFSP; reiterates its position of 18 May 2022 in which it states that it cannot envisage any resumption of the accession negotiations with Türkiye;

Amendment 23 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)

– having regard to the UNESCO statement of 10 July 2020 on Hagia Sophia,

Amendment 230 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Concludes that the Turkish Government has no interest in closing the persistent and growing gap between Tüurkiyey and the EU on values and standards, as it has shown, for the past few years, a clear lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address, in particular, the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the country’s EU accession process;

Amendment 231 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Believes that it is high time to define a comprehensive, unified and coherent strategy for the medium to long term, among all EU institutions and Member States; Recalls that the strong relapse in the area of fundamental rights, the deteriorating human rights situation, the lack of freedom of the press and expression, the arbitrary detention of opposition politicians and journalists;

Amendment 232 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Expresses concerns about the continued proper functioning of Türkiye’s market economy, particularly with regard to the conduct of monetary and fiscal policies, and the institutional and regulatory environment; notes with concern that according to Europol, Türkiye is the second largest source country of pirated products affecting the EU single market and of counterfeit products seized at the EU’s external borders; believes that a stronger and more honest relationship with the EU would help with alleviating some of the hardships and assist with the improvement of living standards for the Turkish population;

Amendment 233 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Expresses deep concerns about the ~~continued proper func~~deterioration~~ing~~ of Türkiye’s market economy, particularly with regard to the conduct of monetary and fiscal policies, and the institutional and regulatory environment; is concerned about the direct interference by the Turkish president in monetary policy; is of the opinion that Türkiye will need to implement reforms that will address the vulnerabilities of its economy and currency, such as the unprecedented high level of inflation;

Amendment 234 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Expresses concerns about the continued proper functioning of Tüurkiyey’s market economy, particularly with regard to the conduct of monetary and fiscal policies, and the institutional and regulatory environment;

Amendment 235 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Expresses concerns about the ~~continued proper~~flawed functioning of Türkiye’s market economy, particularly with regard to the conduct of monetary and fiscal policies, and the institutional and regulatory environment;

Amendment 236 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Takes note of the efforts made by Turkey to continue hosting a large refugee population; welcomes, in this regard, the continued provision of EU funding for refugees and host communities in Turkey, and expresses its commitment to sustaining this support in the future; calls on the Commission to ensure the utmost transparency and accuracy in the allocation of funds under the successor to the Facility for Refugees in Turkey, ensuring that the funds are primarily given directly to the refugees and host communities and managed by organisations that guarantee accountability and transparency; supports an objective assessment of the cooperation between the EU and Turkey on refugees and migration matters and underlines the importance of both sides complying with their respective commitments under the EU-Turkey Joint Statement of 2016 and the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement vis-à vis all Member States, including the resumption of the readmission of returnees from the Greek islands, or the activation of the Voluntary Humanitarian Admissions Scheme; firmly objects to any instrumentalisation of migrants by the Turkish Government; notes that a continuing increase in asylum applications was registered in Cyprus over the past years and recalls Turkey’s obligation to take any necessary measures to prevent the creation of new sea or land routes for illegal migration from Turkey to the EU;

Amendment 237 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Takes note of the efforts made by Türkiye to continue hosting a large refugee population; welcomes, in this regard, the continued provision of EU funding for refugees and host communities in Türkiye, and expresses its commitment to sustaining this support in the future; calls on the Commission to ensure the utmost transparency and accuracy in the allocation of funds under the successor to the Facility for Refugees in Türkiye, ensuring that the funds are primarily given directly to the refugees and host communities and managed by organisations that guarantee accountability and transparency; supports an objective assessment of the cooperation between the EU and Türkiye on refugees and migration matters and underlines the importance of both sides complying with their respective commitments under the EU-Turkey Joint Statement of 2016 and the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement vis-à vis all Member States, including the resumption of the readmission of returnees from the Greek islands, or the activation of the Voluntary Humanitarian Admissions Scheme; recalls Türkiye’s obligation to take any necessary measures to prevent new sea or land routes for irregular migration opening from Türkiye to the EU, and its will to cooperate with neighbouring states as well as the EU to this effect and with fundamental rights as part of its implementation process;

Amendment 238 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Calls on Türkiye to ensure the full and non-discriminatory implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement of 2016 and the EU - Türkiye Readmission Agreement vis-à-vis all Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus; firmly objects to any instrumentalisation of migrants by the Turkish Government; Regrets, that as a result of it, a continuing high increase in asylum applications has been registered in Cyprus over the past years and recalls Türkiye’s obligation to take all the necessary measures to halt the existing illegal migration routes and prevent the creation of new sea or land routes for illegal migration from Türkiye to the EU; notes that pending the full and effective implementation of the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement, existing bilateral readmission agreements and provisions in similar agreements and arrangements with EU Member States, should be adequately implemented; underlines that cooperation in the area of justice and home affairs with all EU Member States remains essential;

Amendment 239 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Acknowledges Türkiye 's efforts and contributions with regard to migration, including hosting a large refugee population of over 3.5 million Syrians under temporary protection and 330,000 applicants and beneficiaries of international protection; welcomes Türkiye 's efforts in dismantling migrant smuggling networks as during 2022 over 285,000 irregular migrants were apprehended together with 9,149 migrant smugglers;

Amendment 24 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9

– having regard to Resolution 2459 (2022) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 12 October 2022 entitled ‘The honouring of obligations and commitments by Türkiye’ and to the related report by its Monitoring Committee of 14 September 2022, and the interim resolution of 16 September 2021 on the execution of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Cyprus v. Turkey by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe,

Amendment 240 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)

11b. Regrets that as a result of Türkiye’s instrumentalization of refugees a continuing increase in asylum applications was registered in Cyprus in 2022; notes that pending the full and effective implementation of the EU- Turkey Readmission Agreement vis-à-vis all Member States, existing bilateral readmission agreements and provisions in similar agreements and arrangements with EU Member States, should be adequately implemented; underlines that cooperation in the area of justice and home affairs with all EU Member States remains essential;

Amendment 241 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but deplores Türkiye’s financial, political, and military support to Azerbaijan, which strongly undermines the prospects for a comprehensive peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan; encourages Turkey, once again, to recognize the Armenian Genocide; remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions; strongly condemns the continued cross-border military operations with the aim of defeating Kurdish-led forces, including three incursions into northern Syria and regular air strikes and drone strikes in northern Iraq and Syria; stresses that these military interventions violate international law and undermine the stability and security of the whole region; is concerned by the continuous involvement of Türkiye in Libya through the deployment of foreign fighters on the ground and the persistent criticism and paucity of cooperation with EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, which underlines the difference in the foreign policy agendas of Türkiye and the EU;

Amendment 242 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. ~~Welcomes~~Takes note, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions; deplores, in this respect, Türkiye’s overall destabilising role in many areas of concern for the EU and in its neighbourhoods (such as in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and South Caucasus and its role in conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Libya), which threatens regional peace, security and stability; is extremely concerned by, and strongly condemns, Türkiye’s illegal activities and threats of military action against EU Member States, in particular Greece and Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean;

Amendment 243 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions; regrets the continued backsliding of dialogue on foreign policies between Turkey and the EU and the execution of Turkish military actions in Eastern Mediterranean, Libya, Syria and the Caucasus; recalls that as NATO member, Turkey plays a geostrategic role ensuring regional and European security and is expected to act in line with its NATO obligations;

Amendment 244 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions; encourages Turkey to pave the way for genuine reconciliation between the Turkish and Armenian peoples, including settling the dispute of the Armenian Genocide, and to fully respect its obligations to protect Armenian and other cultural heritage; encourages Turkey, once again, to recognise the Armenian Genocide;

Amendment 245 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions; is of the opinion that the government will now need to address the economic vulnerabilities and high levels of inflation; invites the government to reinstate the credibility of key institutions such as the Turkish Central Bank and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜIK);

Amendment 246 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions; regrets the fact that Türkiye closed its airspace to Armenian flights in response to a new monument that was erected in Yerevan commemorating a programme to assassinate perpetrators of the Armenian genocide;

Amendment 247 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decision; regrets though that Türkiye is yet to take concrete steps in normalising its relations with all states in the region in adherence with international law and stop illegally intervening in regional crises;

Amendment 248 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

12. Welcomes, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions – according to the European Commission report;

Amendment 249 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. ~~Welcomes~~Takes note that, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions;

Amendment 25 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9

– having regard to Resolution 2459 (2022) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 12 October 2022 entitled ‘The honouring of obligations and commitments by Tüurkiyey’ and to the related report by its Monitoring Committee of 14 September 2022,

Amendment 250 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

Amendment 251 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Welcomes, after a confrontational period, Tüurkiyey’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Tüurkiyey’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions;

Amendment 252 #

Andrey KOVATCHEV

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Supports the normalization of relations between Armenia and Türkiye in the interest of reconciliation, regional stability and security as well as socio- economic development and welcomes the progress achieved so far; calls for the speedy implementation of agreements reached by the special representatives, such as opening the airspace and the border between two countries, thus ending the economic blockade of Armenia; Calls on both sides to engage in the process in good faith and without preconditions; expresses the hope that this may give impetus to the normalization of relations in the South Caucasus region; encourages Türkiye once again to recognize the Armenian Genocide to pave the way for genuine reconciliation between the Turkish and Armenian peoples, and to fully respect its obligations to protect Armenian cultural heritage;

Amendment 253 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Hilde VAUTMANS, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Malik AZMANI, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Is concerned about the way in which Turkey continues to take advantage of the fact that it is hosting the largest refugee population in the world; by trying in particular to leverage refugees against the EU; reiterates that the continued provision of EU funding for refugees and host communities in Turkey is incumbent upon the strict adherence of Turkey to relevant international law standards, and takes the view that the deficits of the current refugee deal with Turkey must be immediately addressed in an effort to continue sustaining EU support in the future but in an appropriate framework;

Amendment 254 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Encourages once again Türkiye to recognise the Armenian Genocide, thus paving the way for a genuine reconciliation between the Turkish and Armenian people; calls on Turkey, in this regard, to refrain from any anti- Armenian propaganda and hate speech, to fully respect its obligations to protect Armenian and other cultural heritage and to exercise its influence on Azerbaïdjan in order to encourage a peaceful settlement between Erevan and Baku;

Amendment 255 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Continues to urge Türkiye to unequivocally commit to good neighbourly relations, international agreements and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, having recourse, if necessary to the International Court of Justice and to refrain from any unilateral action or threats;

Amendment 256 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Evin INCIR, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Acknowledges the importance of Türkiye's counterterrorism efforts and contribution to EU security and defence;

Amendment 257 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)

12b. Reaffirms its call expressed in its resolution of 15 April 2015, and once again encourages Turkey to recognise the Armenian Genocide, thus paving the way for a genuine reconciliation between the Turkish and Armenian peoples; calls on Türkiye, in this regard, to refrain from any anti-Armenian propaganda and hate speech, and to fully respect its obligations to protect Armenian and other cultural heritage;

Amendment 258 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)

12b. Regrets the fact that Turkey is constantly increasing the instrumentalization of refugees against the Republic of Cyprus and Greece and asks for the immediate termination of this deplorable practice which victimises the refugees and in the absence of genuine EU solidarity policies multiplies the administrative and financial pressure on the two EU member-states;

Amendment 259 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)

12b. Remains deeply concerned that the landmark agreement reached on March 2016 between the European Union and Türkiye on migration policy is not applied towards all member states;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)

– having regard to the relevant resolutions by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE), including the interim resolutions of 2 February 2022 and 2 December 2021 on the execution of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Kavala against Turkey, the interim resolutions of 9 March 2023 and 2 December 2021 on the execution of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Selahattin Demirtaş v Turkey (No. 2), as well as the CoE´s demand for the immediate release of Osman Kavala, Figen Yüksekdağ, and Selahattin Demirtaş from 8 June 2023,

Amendment 260 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)

12c. Calls on the EU not to remain complacent and rely on the 2016 EU- Turkey statement, which should be terminated; instead, a change in its immigration policy must be based on real solidarity, respect of the core principles of asylum and migration international law vis-à-vis everyone refraining from double standards; particularly now that the anti- immigration front in Europe is dangerously gaining ground;

Amendment 261 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 d (new)

12d. Calls on all EU Member States, in view of Turkey’s militarized foreign policy, to stop all arms exports to Turkey;

Amendment 262 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 e (new)

12e. Reiterates its call on the Turkish Government to halt its plans for the construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, located in a region prone to severe earthquakes as the recent devastating experience underlines, hence posing a major threat not only to Turkey, but also to the entire Mediterranean region; requests, accordingly, that the Turkish Government join the Espoo Convention, which commits its parties to notifying and consulting each other on major projects under consideration that are likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact across boundaries; asks, to this end, the Turkish Government to involve, or at least consult, the governments of its neighbouring countries in relation to any further developments in the Akkuyu venture;

Amendment 263 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the overall de-escalation of tensions observed in the eastern Mediterranean in recent times, particularly in the wake of the February earthquakes, and expresses its hope that a possible new era in Türkiye’s foreign policy might yield positive results in the bilateral relations between Türkiye and all EU Member States; reiterates its long-standing support for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution of 7 June 2022; mains fully aware that any positive dynamics can be easily reversed at any moment due to Turkey’s continuing destabilised actions in the region over the past years and while the underlying issues remain unresolved; calls on Turkey to respect the sovereignty of all EU Member States, over their territorial sea and airspace as well as their sovereign rights, including inter alia the right to explore and exploit natural resources, in accordance with EU and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which is part of the EU acquis; expresses its full solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; continues to call Turkey to show genuine collective engagement to the settlement of the delimitation of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and the continental shelf in both the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, in good faith and in line with international law and the principle of good neighbourly relations, and to refrain from any unilateral illegal actions or threats; condemns, in this regard, the harassment by Turkish warships of research vessels performing surveys within the EEZ delimitated by the Republic of Cyprus; reaffirms the right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements on its EEZ and to explore and exploit its natural resources in full compliance with international law; supports the invitation extended to Turkey by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to negotiate in good faith and in line with international law the maritime delimitation between their respective coast lines, or to have recourse to the International Court of Justice, and calls on Turkey to accept Cyprus’s invitation; reiterates the EU’s readiness to use all instruments and options at its disposal, including those under Article 29 TEU and Article 215 TFEU, in order to defend its interests and those of its Member States, as well as to uphold regional stability;

Amendment 264 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the ~~overal~~partial de-escalation of tensions observed ~~in the eastern Mediterranean in recent times, particularly~~towards Greece in the wake of the February earthquakes, and expresses its hope that this is not reversed and will provide an opportunity for a possible new era in Türkiye’s foreign policy in the eastern Mediterranean which might yield positive results in the bilateral relations between Türkiye and all EU Member States; ~~reiterates its long- standing support f~~in this regard, it calls on Turkey to refrain from all kinds of provocations and threats against the sovereignty and sovereign rights of all EU member-states as protected under the international Law of the Sea, UNCLOS and the EU acquis, including the lawful right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements concerning its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and explore a ~~solution to the Cyprus problem on the~~nd exploit natural resources within its lawfully delimitated EEZ; deplores the fact that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved and reiterates its long- standing support for a comprehensive, just and viable solution on the agreed basis of a bi- communal, bi-zonal federation ~~and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution of 7 June 2022~~with political equality, as this is defined by the relevant UNSC resolutions, providing for one state with a single sovereignty, a single international legal personality and a single citizenship, in accordance with international law, the EU acquis and on the principles on which the EU is founded; reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution of 7 June 2022 and deeply regrets that Türkiye continues to insist on its unacceptable position for a two states solution; strongly urges Türkiye and Mr. Tatar to abandon this unacceptable and divisionist position and take concrete steps in the resumption of meaningful and substantial negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General as soon as possible and from where they left off at Crans Montana in 2017;

Amendment 265 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the overall de-escalation of tensions observed in the eastern Mediterranean in recent times, particularly in the wake of the February earthquakes, and expresses its hope that a possible new era in Türkiye’s foreign policy might yield positive results in the bilateral relations between Türkiye and all EU Member States; re~~iterates its long-standing support for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution~~mains fully aware that any positive dynamics can be easily reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved;calls on Turkey to respect the sovereignty of all EU Member States over their territorial sea and airspace as well as their sovereign rights, including inter alia the right to explore and exploit natural resources, in accordance with EU and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which is part of the EU acquis; continues, in particular, to call Türkiye to show genuine collective engagement to negotiating the delimitation of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and the continental shelf in good faith and in line with international rules and principles; condemns, in this regard, the harassment by Turkish warships of research vessels performing surveys within the EEZ delimitated by the Republic of Cyprus; reaffirms the right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements on its EEZ and to explore and exploit its natural resources in full compliance with international law;supports the invitation extended to Türkiye by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to negotiate in good faith the maritime delimitation between their respective coast lines, or to have recourse to the International Court of 7 Ju~~ne 2022~~stice, and calls on Türkiye to accept Cyprus’s invitation;

Amendment 266 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the overall de-escalation of tensions observed in the eastern Mediterranean in recent times, particularly in the wake of the February earthquakes, and expresses its hope that a possible new era in Türkiye’s foreign policy might yield positive results in the bilateral relations between Türkiye and all EU Member States; reiterates its long-standing support for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution of 7 June 2022; mains fully aware that any positive dynamics can be easily reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; continues to urge Turkey to engage in a bona fide peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral action or threats; continues, in particular, to call Turkey to show genuine collective engagement to negotiating the delimitation of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and the continental shelf in good faith and in line with international rules and principles; condemns, in this regard, the harassment by Turkish warships of research vessels performing surveys within the EEZ delimitated by the Republic of Cyprus; expresses its total solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; reaffirms the right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements on its EEZ and to explore and exploit its natural resources in full compliance with international law; reiterates its call on the Turkish Government to sign and ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is part of the EU acquis; supports the invitation extended to Turkey by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to negotiate in good faith the maritime delimitation between their respective coast lines, or to have recourse to the International Court of Justice, and calls on Turkey to accept Cyprus’s invitation;

Amendment 267 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the overall de-escalation of tensions observed in the eastern Mediterranean in recent times, ~~particularly in the wake of the February earthquakes, and~~as certain previous activities undertaken by Ankara in that region and in the Aegean area in relation to its neighbours Greece and Cyprus were highly provocative in nature; stresses that the possible extension of Greek territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean Sea under Article 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea continued to weigh on Greek- Türkiye relations, and the 1995 declaration of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, that any unilateral action by Greece to extend its territorial waters would be considered casus belli, still holds; expresses its hope that a possible new era in Türkiye’s foreign policy might yield positive results in the bilateral relations between Türkiye and all EU Member States; reiterates its long- standing support for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bi- communal, bi-zonal federation and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution of 7 June 2022; and invites the Turkish government to reassess the possibility of returning to dialogue on this format, as it represents the only viable way towards reconciliation; urges Türkiye to maintain good neighbourly relations and to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes;

Amendment 268 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 269 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Amendment 27 #

Dietmar KÖSTER

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)

– - having regard to the Decisions of the Ministers‘ Deputies of the Council of Europe from 7 June 2023 regarding the supervision of the execution of the European Court’s judgments 1, 1. https://search.coe.int/cm/Pages/result_det ails.aspx?ObjectID=0900001680ab824a

Amendment 270 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the ~~overall de-escalation of tensions observed~~positive momentum that appears to be developing recently in the eEastern Mediterranean ~~in recent times~~, particularly ~~in the wake of~~following the February earthquakes, and ~~expresses its~~ hopes that ~~a possible new er~~Ankara will demonstrate a sin ~~Türkiye’s foreign policy might yield positive results in the bilateral relations between Türkiy~~cere commitment to good neighbourly relations, abandoning its aggressive and aill ~~EU Member States; reiterates its long-standing support for a solution to the Cyprus problem~~egal practices and claims and engage in dialogue with Greece, in good faith and on the basis of ~~a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution of 7 June 2022;~~international law, in order to resolve the only outstanding difference between the two countries, which is the delimitation of their respective EEZ and continental shelf.

Amendment 271 #

Tom VANDENKENDELAERE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 272 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Hilde VAUTMANS, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the overall de-escalation of tensions observed in the eastern Mediterranean in recent times, particularly in the wake of the February earthquakes,; expresses solidarity with EU member states which have suffered from these tensions and expresses its hope that a possible new era in Türkiye’s foreign policy might yield positive results in the bilateral relations between Türkiye and all EU Member States; reiterates its long- standing support for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bi- communal, bi-zonal federation and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution of 7 June 2022;

Amendment 273 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 274 #

François ALFONSI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 1 (new)

(1) Criticises strongly Turkey’s ongoing cross-border military operations against Kurdish-populated regions in Iraq and Syria; notes in particular the recent airstrike targeting a convoy including three US officials along with the key partner in the US-led fight against ISIS, and the detrimental effect of this and other regular airstrikes targeting the US- backed Syrian Democratic Forces on the ongoing mission to defeat ISIS, despite Turkey’s nominal participation as a member of the US-led International Coalition to Defeat ISIS; notes the detrimental impact of repeated Turkish airstrikes against the Sinjar region of Iraq, home to the Yazidi population which suffered genocide at ISIS’ hands in 2014; also criticises repeated air strikes against Northern Syria which have targeted civilian leaders, water, petrol and other basic humanitarian infrastructure; recalls the December 2022 message on behalf of the EP Plenary that Türkiye should avoid further escalation, including any cross- border incursion, and rather ‘act in a responsible manner and contribute to regional stability and security’;

Amendment 275 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 1 (new)

(1) Welcomes the ongoing process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey without any preconditions, encourages Turkey to pave the way for genuine reconciliation between the Turkish and Armenian peoples, including settling the dispute of the Armenian Genocide, fully respecting its obligations to protect Armenian and other cultural heritage, and to fulfill the agreements reached during the bilateral talks such as opening the airspace and the border between two countries; encourages Turkey, once again, to recognize the Armenian Genocide;

Amendment 276 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 1 (new)

(1) Welcomes the positive momentum that has developed recently in the Eastern Mediterranean following the February earthquakes and hopes sthat Türkiye will demonstrate a sincere commitment to good neighboorly relations abandoning illegal practices and claims and engage in a dialogue with Greece on the basis of international law in order to resolve the only outstanding difference between the two countries which is the delimitation of their respective EEZ and continental shelf;

Amendment 277 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 2 (new)

(2) Reiterates its long-standing support for a solution in Cyprus on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation, with political equality, a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution of 7 June 2022;

Amendment 278 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 3 (new)

(3) Regrets that Türkiye pursues illegal activities in the maritime zones of Cyprus, has failed to implement in a non discriminatory manner the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement and continues the policy of "faits accomplis", especially in the fenced area of Varosha;

Amendment 279 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 4 (new)

(4) Deplores Türkiye's ongoing campaign for the international upgrading of the illegal secessionist entity of the occupied part of Cyprus on a bilateral level and in International Organizations in violation of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions 541/1983 and 550/1984 and in spite of strong condemnation by the EU;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 b (new)

– having regard to Article 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which states that the contracting parties undertake to abide by the final judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in any case to which they are parties, and to the ensuing obligation of Türkiye to implement all judgments of the European Court of Human Rights,

Amendment 280 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 5 (new)

(5) Calls on Turkey to respect the sovereignty of all EU Member States as well as their sovereign rights to explore and exploit tnatural resources in accordance with international law, including the Law of the Sea, and in particular, the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);

Amendment 281 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 6 (new)

(6) Express deep concern that Türkiye continues to uphold a formal threat of war against Greece (Casus Belli), should the latter exercise its lawful right to extend its territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean Sea, in accordance with Article 3 of UNCLOS. Expresses that such a threat is in violation of the UN Charter, which explicitly prohibits the threat or use of force and undermines regional peace and stability.

Amendment 282 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 7 (new)

(7) Requests Türkiye to honour and comply with its commitments under the EU-Turkey Joint statement of 2016 and the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement viv-a-vis all Member States. Further requests Turkiye to uphold its obligation to take necessary measures to dismantle people smuggling networks operating in its territory.

Amendment 283 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 8 (new)

(8) Regrets that Türkiye's positions and policy vis-a-vis Libya have remained vastly unchanged and condemns the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas between Turkiye and the National Accord Government of Libya which ignores Greece's sovereign Rights in the area concerned and infringes upon the sovereign Rights of third States and does not comply with UNCLOS and cannot come to any legal effect.

Amendment 284 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 9 (new)

(9) Notes with concern that in October 2022 Turkiye signed a new MoU on hydrocarbons with the Libyan Government of National Unity, which could have serious consequences for regional stability to the extent that it would entail a direct or indirect implementation of the 2019 MoU in areas where Greece and other third countries have sovereign rights in accordance with the International Law of the Sea.

Amendment 285 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Regrets the fact that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved and reiterates its call on Türkiye, to commit and contribute to a comprehensive settlement in line with United Nations Security Council relevant resolutions; reiterates its support for a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem, including of its external aspects, within the UN framework and in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions, international law and in line with the EU acquis and the principles on which the Union is founded; deeply regrets that Türkiye has abandoned the agreed UN framework; condemns in this regard statements by Turkish President and by the leader imposed by Turkey upon the Turkish Cypriots, calling for a two-state solution in Cyprus; calls on Türkiye to abandon this unacceptable proposal for a two-state solution; strongly condemns any action to facilitate or assist in any way the international recognition of the secessionist illegal entity in the occupied areas of Cyprus and stresses that such actions severely damage efforts to create an environment conducive to resuming settlement talks under the auspices of the United Nations; Welcomes and supports the proposals of the President of the Republic of Cyprus which aim at breaking the stalemate in the settlement process and calls for a more active engagement by the EU in this regard; urges the European Council to appoint an EU envoy to support future peace talks within the UN- centred framework; urges the Government of Türkiye to engage constructively in resuming UN-led negotiations; calls on the Turkish Government to return to dialogue based on the UN format, which represents the only viable path towards reconciliation;

Amendment 286 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Strongly reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue is that of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement, including of its external aspects, within the UN framework, on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality, single sovereignty, single citizenship and political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the Union is founded; deplores the fact that the Turkish Government has abandoned the agreed basis of the solution and the UN framework to defend on its own a two-state solution in Cyprus; calls on Turkey to abandon this unacceptable proposal for a two-state solution; further calls on Turkey to withdraw its troops from Cyprus and refrain from any unilateral action which would entrench the permanent division of the island and to refrain from action altering the demographic balance; urges that negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus be resumed under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General as soon as possible from where they left off at Crans- Montana in 2017;

Amendment 287 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Condemns Turkey for continuing to provocatively ignore the unambiguous calls of the international community, including of the EU, to reverse its illegal activities at Varosha and refrain from proceeding with new unilateral actions that create severe tensions on the island; expresses its deep concern in relation to the ongoing “opening” of Varosha by Türkiye as this negatively alters the situation on the ground, undermines mutual trust and negatively impacts on the prospects for the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem; strongly urges Turkey for once more to reverse its illegal and unilateral actions at Varosha and reiterates that these violate past agreements and convergences, as well as all the relevant UNSC resolutions; particularly Resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992) which call upon Türkiye to transfer the area of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants under the temporary administration of the UN; warns against changes impinging upon the status quo at Varosha in violation of the aforementioned UNSC resolutions;

Amendment 288 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Reiterates its call on the Turkish Government to halt its plans for the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which is located in a region prone to severe earthquakes, therefore posing a major threat not only to Turkey, but also to the Mediterranean region; asks the Turkish Government to involve the governments of its neighbouring countries in relation to any further developments in the Akkuyu venture; to facilitate an experts’ mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency for inspection of the facility after the devastating earthquakes; to align its legislation with relevant EU acquis on nuclear safety and proceed with cross- border cooperation with neighboring states; to accede to the UN Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Trans-boundary Context and the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters.

Amendment 289 #

Isabel SANTOS, Demetris PAPADAKIS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Praises the important work of the United Nations-facilitated bi-communal Committee on Missing Persons (CMP); it recalls Türkiye that this is a major long- standing humanitarian issue that severely perpetuates the suffering of the Greek- Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot missing persons and of their relatives; calls on Türkiye to conduct a meaningful and effective investigation for the ascertainment of the fate or whereabouts of the Greek-Cypriot missing persons - in line with the 2001 judgment on the interstate application of Cyprus against Turkey - delivered by the European Court of Human Rights, and to grant CMP full access to all relevant archives and military areas to be followed up by concrete actions and further expedited;

Amendment 29 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11

– having regard to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s economic survey of Tüurkiyey of 27 February 2023,

Amendment 290 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Regrets the fact that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved and stresses that a solution in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and within the agreed framework will have a positive impact on Türkiye’s relations with the EU; strongly reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue is that of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement, including of its external aspects, within the UN framework, with a single international legal personality, single sovereignty, single citizenship and political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the Union is founded;

Amendment 291 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Reiterates its long-standing support for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation, with political equality, a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and reaffirms its positions on the matter expressed in its resolution of 7 June 2022;

Amendment 292 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Remains highly concerned about the so-called Kurdish question and calls on the new Turkish government to move in the direction of a plausible settlement of the conflict; is alarmed about the heavy and deteriorating repression of the Kurdish community, especially in the south-east of the country;

Amendment 293 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Deplores Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention intended to prevent and combat violence against women, contributing to an environment in which four out of ten women in Turkey have suffered physical or sexual violence;

Amendment 294 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. calls for the cooperation of Turkey with Operation IRINI in enforcing the arms embargo on Libya and in fighting human smuggling and trafficking;

Amendment 295 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)

13b. Regrets the fact that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved and stresses that a solution in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and within the agreed framework will have a positive impact on Turkey’s relations with the EU; strongly reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue is that of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement, including of its external aspects, within the UN framework, on the basis of a bi- communal, bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality, single sovereignty, single citizenship and political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the Union is founded; deplores the fact that the Turkish Government has abandoned the agreed basis of the solution and the UN framework to defend on a two-state solution in Cyprus; calls on Turkey to abandon this unacceptable proposal for a two-state solution; strongly condemns any action to facilitate or assist in any way the international recognition of the secessionist entity in the occupied areas of Cyprus and stresses that such actions severely damages efforts to create an environment conducive to resuming settlement talks under the auspices of the United Nations; further calls on Turkey to withdraw its troops from Cyprus and refrain from any unilateral action which would entrench the permanent division of the island and to refrain from action altering the demographic balance; condemns the fact that Turkey continues to violate UN Security Council resolutions 550(1984) and 789(1992), which call on Turkey to transfer the area of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants under the temporary administration of the UN, by supporting the opening of the town of Varosha to the public; takes the view that this move undermines mutual trust and hence the prospect of a resumption of talks on a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem; expresses in this regard serious concern over the recent, new illegal activities in the fenced off area of Varosha for the opening of a new part of the beach; welcomes the proposals of the President of the Republic of Cyprus which aim at breaking the stalemate in the settlement process and calls for a more active engagement by the EU in this regard; calls on the Turkish Government to return to dialogue based on the UN format, which represents the only viable path towards reconciliation; urges that negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus be resumed under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General as soon as possible from where they left off at Crans- Montana in 2017; reiterates its call on Turkey to fulfil its obligation of full, non- discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus; regrets the fact that Turkey has still not made progress towards normalising its relations with the Republic of Cyprus; underlines the fact that cooperation remains essential in areas such as justice and home affairs as well as aviation law and air traffic communications with all EU Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus; Remains deeply concerned about the restrictions faced by the enclaved Greek Cypriots in the free and unhindered exercise of their rights to education and freedom of religion; praises the important work of the bi-communal Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) and calls on the Turkish authorities to advance their efforts to provide the CMP proprio motu and without delay with all information at their disposal relating to burial sites and any other places where remains might be found, including information in military archives.

Amendment 296 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)

13b. Further calls on Türkiye to withdraw its troops from Cyprus and refrain from any unilateral action which would entrench the permanent division of the island and to refrain from action altering the demographic balance on the island through a policy of illegal settlements; condemns the fact that Türkiye continues to violate UN Security Council resolutions 550(1984) and 789(1992), which call on Türkiye to transfer the area of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants under the temporary administration of the UN, by the partial reopening of Varosha and by supporting the opening of the town of Varosha to the public; takes the view that those illegal actions undermines mutual trust and hence the prospect of a resumption of talks on a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem and calls on Türkiye to reverse these actions and avoid any other unilateral actions that could raise further tensions on the island, in compliance with the call of the UNSC; expresses in this regard serious concern over the recent, new illegal activities in the fenced off area of Varosha for the opening of a new part of the beach;

Amendment 297 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)

13b. Reiterates its call on the Turkish Government to halt its plans for the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which is located in a region prone to severe earthquakes, therefore posing a major threat not only to Türkiye, but also to the Mediterranean region; asks the Turkish Government to involve the governments of its neighbouring countries in relation to any further developments in the Akkuyu venture; to facilitate an experts’ mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency for inspection of the facility after the devastating earthquakes; to align its legislation with relevant EU acquis on nuclear safety and proceed with cross- border cooperation with neighboring states; to accede to the UN Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Trans-boundary Context and the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters;

Amendment 298 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)

13b. Reiterates its call on Turkey to give the Turkish Cypriot community the necessary space to act in accordance with its role as a legitimate community of the island, a right guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus; reiterates its call on the Commission to step up its efforts to engage with the Turkish Cypriot community, recalling that its place is in the European Union; calls for all parties involved to demonstrate a more courageous approach in bringing the communities together; stresses the need for the EU acquis to be implemented across the entire island following the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem and highlights, meanwhile, that the Republic of Cyprus is responsible for stepping up its efforts to facilitate the engagement of Turkish Cypriots with the EU;

Amendment 299 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)

13b. Calls on Turkey to refrain from any unilateral actions which entrench on the ground the permanent division of the island as opposed to its reunification and jeopardise the prospects of substantial negotiations; calls on Turkey to begin withdrawing its troops from Cyprus and to refrain from any actions altering the demographic balance on the island through its policy of illegal settlements; taking note of the significant work of the Committee of Missing Persons (CMP) calls for improved access to military zones by the Turkish army, access to its military archives and information as to the relocation of remains from former to latter burial sites;

Amendment 3 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)

– having regard to the Negotiating Framework for Turkey of 3 October 2005 and the fact that, as with all accession countries, Türkiye’ s eventual accession to the EU depends on full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria, and to the need to normalise its relations with all EU Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus,

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)

– having regard to the UNESCO statement of 10 July 2020 on Hagia Sophia, Istanbul,

Amendment 300 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)

13b. Condemns Türkiye’s military interventions in Syria and its illegal occupation of areas in northern Syria and denounces that Türkiye and local Syrian factions abuse civilians’ rights and restrict their freedoms with impunity in the Turkish-occupied territories; expresses concern about Turkish airstrikes in Northern Syria and Iraq and reiterates that civilian population should never be the victim of military self- defence; calls for Turkish authorities to exercise restraint in full respect of international standards;

Amendment 301 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)

13b. Regrets that Türkiye’s position regarding the resolution of the Cyprus issue remains unchanged and that the Turkish support for a two state solution is not in line with the relevant UNSC resolutions. Further regrets that Türkiye pursues illegal activities in the maritime zones of Cyprus, has failed to implement in a non discriminatory manner the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement and continues the policy of “faits accomplis”, especially in the fenced area of Varosha.

Amendment 302 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)

13c. Deplores the fact that the Turkish Government has abandoned the agreed basis of the solution and the UN framework to defend on a two-state solution in Cyprus; calls on Türkiye to abandon this unacceptable proposal for a two-state solution; strongly condemns any action to facilitate or assist in any way the international recognition of the secessionist entity in the occupied areas of Cyprus and stresses that such actions severely damages efforts to create an environment conducive to resuming settlement talks under the auspices of the United Nations;

Amendment 303 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)

13c. Deplores Türkiye’s ongoing campaign for the international upgrading of the illegal secessionist entity of the occupied part of Cyprus, mainly in international organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, but also on a bilateral level, in blatant violation of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions 541/1983 and 550/1984 and in spite of strong condemnation by the EU and others.

Amendment 304 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)

13c. Stresses the need for the EU acquis to be implemented across the entire island following the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem; in the meantime, the Republic of Cyprus is responsible for stepping up its efforts to facilitate the engagement of Turkish Cypriots with the EU;

Amendment 305 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)

13c. Calls on the Commission to put forward, without delay, a proposal for the continuation of financing for Syrian refugees and host communities in Türkiye after 2024;

Amendment 306 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)

13d. Further calls on Türkiye to withdraw its troops from Cyprus and refrain from any unilateral action which would entrench the permanent division of the island and to refrain from action altering the demographic balance; condemns the fact that Turkey continues to violate UN Security Council resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992), which call on Türkiye to transfer the area of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants under the temporary administration of the UN, by supporting the opening of the town of Varosha to the public; takes the view that this move undermines mutual trust and hence the prospect of a resumption of talks on a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem; expresses in this regard serious concern over the recent, new illegal activities in the fenced off area of Varosha for the opening of a new part of the beach;

Amendment 307 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)

13d. Is highly concerned by reports of arbitrary deportations of Syrian and Afghani refugees as well as summary push-backs of persons apprehended attempting to cross the border, notably Afghan refugees; condemns racist and xenophobic attacks against refugees in Türkiye and fuelling of anti-refugee and anti-immigration rhetoric by Turkish politicians; urges the Turkish authorities to halt any forced deportations of refugees and respect the principle of non- refoulement; deplores the lack of access to the over 30 deportation centres in Türkiye for international and national organisations in order to monitor and provide assistance; calls for an independent investigation into credible reports of EU funding for deportation centres in Türkiye that have been used to force Syrian refugees to sign “voluntary return” certificates;

Amendment 308 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)

The rule of law and fundamental rights

Amendment 309 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)

13d. Notes that no significant progress was registered with regard to the protection of the rights of non-Muslim minorities and expects Turkish authorities to respect and protect the property and educational rights of minorities, and recognize the legal personality and the public use of the ecclesiastical title of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; Furthermore, urges Turkey to allow the re-opening of the Halki Seminary, respect the historical and cultural character of monuments, especially those classified as UNESCO World Heritage, apply the relevant to the religious communities and minorities recommendations of the Venice Commission and implement all relevant rulings of the European Court of Human Rights and resolutions of the CoE, including on the Greek Orthodox population of the islands Gökçeada (Imvros) and Bozcaada (Tenedos);

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)

– having regard to the UNESCO statement of 10 July 2020 on Hagia Sophia, Istanbul,

Amendment 310 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 e (new)

13e. Welcomes the Turkish Government’s decision to ratify the Paris Climate Agreement, its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2053 and the holding of its first National Climate Council in Konya in February 2022; welcomes that Türkiye delivered an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) on 13 April 2023, regrets however that its target is critically insufficient as it will allow for further increase in CO2 emissions and is hence incompatible with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature goal; calls on Türkiye to increase its contribution to climate and biodiversity protection and prioritize the adoption of its climate law;

Amendment 311 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 e (new)

13e. Welcomes the proposals of the President of the Republic of Cyprus which aim at breaking the stalemate in the settlement process and calls for a more active engagement by the EU in this regard; calls on the Turkish Cypriot leader to return to dialogue based on the UN format, which represents the only viable path towards reconciliation; urges that negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus be resumed under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General;

Amendment 312 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 f (new)

13f. Reiterates its call on Türkiye to fulfil its obligation of full, non- discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus; regrets the fact that Türkiye has still not made progress towards normalising its relations with the Republic of Cyprus; underlines the fact that cooperation remains essential in areas such as justice and home affairs as well as aviation law and air traffic communications with all EU Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus;

Amendment 313 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 f (new)

13f. Calls on Türkiye to advance alignment with the EU directives and acquis related to the environment and climate action; commends the work of environmental rights defenders; regrets that whereas Türkiye has established ambitious goals in areas including pollution control, waste management and combating climate change, enforcement remains weak and the management of the ongoing economic crises has taken precedence over efforts to achieve a sustainable economy;

Amendment 314 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 e (new)

13e. Reminds Türkiye that Hagia Sophia is a symbol of the ecumenical Christian Orthodox tradition and the Byzantine spirit, a monument globally renowned for its unparalleled historic cultural and architectural significance, inscribed since 1985 in the World Heritage List of UNESCO;

Amendment 315 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 f (new)

13f. Underlines that the decisions to turn Hagia Sophia and the Church of Holy Saviour of Chora into mosques, in July 2020 and August 2020 respectively, constitute serious challenges to the inter- faith and inter-cultural dialogue in the region, while degrading the Christian heritage in the country;

Amendment 316 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 g (new)

13g. Remains deeply concerned about the restrictions faced by the enclaved Greek Cypriots in the free and unhindered exercise of their rights to education and freedom of religion;

Amendment 317 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 g (new)

13g. Reminds that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, by its decision adopted during its 44th Session in July 2021, has expressed great concern about the potential impact of status change on the Οutstanding Universal Value of Hagia Sophia and the Chora Museum and has called on Türkiye to engage in international cooperation and dialogue before any further major changes are implemented at the property;

Amendment 318 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 h (new)

13h. Regrets that no steps have been taken to open the Halki (Heybeliada) Greek Orthodox Seminary, which remains closed since 1971;

Amendment 319 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

13i. Calls on Türkiye to fully implement the recommendations of the Council of Europe on protecting minority property rights and education rights, especially by taking steps to revise the relevant legislation on the issue of property rights of non-Muslim minorities and legislation covering all issues of property rights;

Amendment 32 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)

– having regard to the UNESCO statement of 10 July 2020 on Hagia Sophia, Istanbul,

Amendment 320 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 j (new)

13j. Reminds that past discriminatory policies implemented by Türkiye brought the Greek Minority to the verge of extinction;

Amendment 321 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 k (new)

13k. Condemns the fact that hate speech and hate crime against minorities in Türkiye continues and calls for the investigation of acts of vandalism and destruction on minority worship places and cemeteries;

Amendment 322 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 l (new)

13l. Notes that minorities continued to face difficulties in many areas, such as the lack of legal status for religious institutions, the absence of protection for languages, the lack of schooling support, and clergy training, the decrease of the number of media programs in minority languages, as well as obstacles in enjoying property rights for foundations; further notes that the lack of legal personality for minority communities’ churches, synagogues, patriarchates, monasteries, and chief rabbinates is an impediment to their freedom of association and religion and to enjoying their property rights;

Amendment 323 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 m (new)

13m. Deplores that no steps were taken to revise school textbooks, in order to remove discriminatory references, including against non-Muslim minorities;

Amendment 324 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 n (new)

13n. Calls on Türkiye to fully respect language, religion, culture, cultural heritage and fundamental rights of minorities in accordance with European standards, to put in place mechanisms that will support the participation of minorities in decision-making processes and ensure that they are duly represented in the public administration; further calls on Türkiye to continue the reform process and introduce legislation, which makes it possible for all non-Muslim religious communities to acquire legal personality as underlined by the Venice Commission in 2010;

Amendment 325 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 b (new)

Wider EU-Turkey relations and Turkish foreign policy

Amendment 326 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 o (new)

13o. Calls on Türkiye to unequivocally commit to good neighbourly relations, international agreements and the peaceful settlement of disputes having recourse, if necessary, to the International Court of Justice and to avoid threats and actions that damage good neighbourly relations. Calls also on Türkiye to respect the sovereignty of all EU Member States as well as their sovereign rights to explore and exploit natural resources in accordance with international law, including the Law of the Sea, and in particular, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);

Amendment 327 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 p (new)

13p. Expresses its concern that Türkiye even contested the sovereignty of Greece, over specific Greek islands of the Eastern Aegean Sea, on the unfounded basis of an alleged obligation for their demilitarization;

Amendment 328 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 q (new)

13q. Expresses deep concern that Türkiye continues to uphold a formal threat of war against Greece (casus belli), should the latter exercise its lawful right to extend its territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean Sea, in accordance with Article 3 of UNCLOS, which also reflects customary international law; emphasizes that such a threat is in stark violation of the UN Charter, which explicitly prohibits the threat or use of force and undermines regional peace and stability;

Amendment 329 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 r (new)

13r. Condemns the Turkish persistence on a two-state solution regarding the Cyprus issue contrary to the UN framework; recalls that the resumption of negotiations for a mutually acceptable bizonal-bicommunal federal settlement, as called for by the relevant and binding for all states UNSC Resolutions, is the only viable way forward;

Amendment 33 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12

– having regard to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, which ranks ~~Türkiye~~Turkey 165th out of 180 countries,

Amendment 330 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 s (new)

13s. Strongly condemns the instrumentalisation of migrants by Türkiye for its own political purposes and expresses concern regarding efforts by Türkiye to place under its control yet another migration route in the Central Mediterranean;

Amendment 331 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 t (new)

13t. Requests Türkiye to honour and comply with its commitments under the EU-Turkey Joint Statement of 2016 and the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement vis-à-vis all Member States, including the resumption of the readmission of returnees from Greece and to refrain from instrumentalizing migrants for political purposes; further requests Türkiye to uphold its obligation to take necessary measures to dismantle smuggling networks operating on its territory and to prevent the creation of new sea or land routes for illegal migration from Türkiye to the EU;

Amendment 332 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 u (new)

13u. Condemns Türkiye’s refusal to implement Articles 4 and 6 of the EU- Turkey Readmission Agreement for the readmission of third-country nationals, in disrespect of its obligations vis-à-vis the EU. Deplores that Türkiye links the implementation of these articles to visa liberalization, when full implementation of the readmission Agreement is one of the prerequisites for visa liberalization and recalls that the visa liberalization process, the upgrading of the Customs Union and the accession process have their own benchmarks and requirements, according to the EU institutional and legal framework;

Amendment 333 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 v (new)

13v. Regrets that Türkiye’s positions and policy vis-a-vis Libya have remained vastly unchanged and condemns the signature of the two memoranda of understanding between Türkiye and Libya on comprehensive security and military cooperation and on the delimitation of maritime zones; condemns furthermore, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas between Türkiye and the National Accord Government of Libya (November 2019), which ignores Greece’s sovereign rights in the area concerned, infringes upon the sovereign rights of third States, does not comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and cannot produce any legal consequences for third States;

Amendment 334 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 w (new)

13w. Notes with concern that Türkiye signed, in October 2022, a new MoU on hydrocarbons with the Libyan Government of National Unity, which could have serious consequences for regional stability, to the extent that it would entail a direct or indirect implementation of the 2019 MoU, in areas where Greece and other third countries have sovereign rights in accordance with the international Law of the Sea;

Amendment 335 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 h (new)

13h. Condemns the repeated attempts by Türkiye to intimidate and gag Turkish Cypriot journalists and progressive citizens in the Turkish Cypriot community, thus violating their right to freedom of opinion and expression;

Amendment 336 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 i (new)

13i. Regrets Türkiye’s continuing refusal to comply with aviation law and establish a channel of communication between air traffic control centres in Türkiye and the Republic of Cyprus, the absence of which entails real safety risks and dangers as identified by the European Aviation Safety Agency and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations; takes the view that this could be an area where Türkiye could prove its commitment to confidence- building measures and calls on Türkiye to collaborate by fully implementing EU aviation law;

Amendment 337 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates its firm conviction that Türkiye is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a key partner for the stability of the wider region and a vital ally, including within NATO, and reaffirms that the EU is committed to pursuing the best possible relations with Türkiye based on dialogue, respect and mutual trust; whereas development of the security dimension of the EU is progressing, Turkey would represent, as a member of NATO, an extremely valuable partner and a military ally to most EU states; supports an objective assessment of the EU -Türkiye cooperation on refugees and migration matters and underlines the importance of both sides to comply with their respective commitments;

Amendment 338 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates its firm ~~conviction~~stance that Tüurkiye is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a key partner for the stability of the wider region and a vital ally, including within NATO, and reaffirms that the EU is committed to pursuing the best possible relations with Türkiye based on dialogue, respect and mutual trustey shall not become a Member of the European Union;

Amendment 339 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates its firm conviction that Türkiye is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a key strategic partner for the stability of the wider Mediterranean region and a vital ally, including within NATO, and reaffirms that the EU is committed to pursuing the best possible relations with Türkiye based on dialogue, respect and mutual trust; demands that efforts for ameliorating the status of EU- Türkiye relations do not remain one- sided, and urges Turkish authorities to adopt a more cooperative approach towards this end;

Amendment 34 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)

– having regard to the 2023 Freedom in the World report published by Freedom House, which gave Türkiye a score of 32 out of 100 for the respect of civil liberties and political rights,

Amendment 340 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

Amendment 341 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

Amendment 342 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates its firm conviction that Türkiye is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms~~, a key partner for the stability of the wider region and a vital ally, including within NATO,~~ and reaffirms that the EU is committed to pursuing the best possible relations with Türkiye based on dialogue, respect and mutual trust;

Amendment 343 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates its firm conviction that Türkiye is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a key partner for the stability of the wider region and for the management of migration flows as well as a vital ally, including within NATO, and reaffirms that the EU is committed to pursuing the best possible relations with Türkiye based on dialogue, respect and mutual trust;

Amendment 344 #

Javier NART

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates its firm conviction that Türkiye ias an European country is of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a key partner for the stability of the wider region and a vital ally, including within NATO, and reaffirms that the EU is committed to pursuing the best possible relations with Türkiye based on dialogue, respect and mutual trust;

Amendment 345 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates its firm conviction that Tüurkiyey is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a key partner for the stability of the wider region and a vital ally, including within NATO, and reaffirms that the EU is committed to pursuing the best possible relations with Tüurkiyey based on dialogue, respect and mutual trust;

Amendment 346 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates its firm conviction that Türkiye is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a key ~~partne~~actor for the stability of the wider region and a vital ally, including within NATO, and reaffirms that the EU is committed to pursuing the best possible relations with Türkiye based on dialogue, respect and mutual trust;

Amendment 347 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

Amendment 348 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates ~~its firm conviction~~ that Türkiye is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a ~~key~~n important partner for the s~~tabil~~ecurity of the wider region and a ~~vital~~significant ally, including within NATO, and reaffirms that the EU is committed to pursuing the best possible relations with Türkiye based on dialogue, respect and mutual trust;

Amendment 349 #

Malik AZMANI, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

Amendment 35 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)

– Having regard to its previous resolutions, in particular those of 15 April 2015 on the centenary of the Armenian Genocide,

Amendment 350 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Calls on the Council to add the Turkish terrorist organisation “The Grey Wolves” responsible for committing countless acts of violence in Europe, including murders or attempted murders, as a terrorist organisation as defined in the Council Common Position 2001/931/CFSP and to the list of terrorist organisations in the European Union ;

Amendment 351 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Recalls its position, as expressed in previous resolutions, on the introduction of an initiative in the Council for all EU Member States to halt the licensing of arms exports to Türkiye in accordance with Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP;

Amendment 352 #

Andrey KOVATCHEV

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Recognises that Türkiye is a long- standing important geopolitical partner for both the EU and NATO and calls for the strenghtening of the EU-Türkiye relations;

Amendment 353 #

Malik AZMANI, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

Amendment 354 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Co~~nsiders~~mes to the conclusion, in view of all the above, that ~~in the absence of a drastic change of course by the Turkish Government, Türkiye’s EU accession process has lost its purpose and will not endure much longer in the current circumstances~~Türkiye has drifted far away from the Copenhagen criteria, with no positive change foreseen on the short or midterm, and that Türkiye’s EU accession process has lost its purpose; therefore, concludes that the accession negotiations with Turkey cannot be resumed; recommends, in that case, starting a reflection process to find an alternative and realistic framework for EU- Türkiye relations in substitution for the accession process; calls on the Commission, therefore, to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework ~~through a comprehensive and inclusive process~~, such as an update of the Association Agreement, through a comprehensive and inclusive process; calls for an opening in the relations after the solidarity shown following the earthquake, and to use this new momentum to break the current deadlock and move forward towards a closer, more dynamic and strategic partnership that works beneficially for both parties by modernizing and enhancing the current Association Agreement, which could include provisions inter alia on rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, migration, and trade;

Amendment 355 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Considers, in view of all the above, that in the absence of a drastic change of course by the Turkish Government, Türkiye’s EU accession process has lost its purpose and will not endure much longer in the current circumstances; recommends, in that case, starting a reflection process to find an alternative and realistic framework for EU-Türkiye relations in substitution for the accession process; calls on the Commission, therefore, to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive process; urges the Turkish government, the European Union’s institutions and its member states to approach this matter with the highest responsibility and dedication, and to construct a coherent new infrastructure of cooperation that realistically encompasses the interests of all parties involved, as this will represent the basis of a new interaction between two close and highly relevant partners;

Amendment 356 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

Amendment 357 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. ~~Considers, in view of~~ ;Demands to formally t~~he above, that in the absence of a drastic change of course by the Turkish Government, Türkiye’s EU accession~~erminate accession negotiations with Turkey, in accordance with the realistic framework, since the country failed to demonstrate clear and significant procgress ~~has lost its purpose and will not endure much l~~in EU- related reforms, in particular, the serious congcer ~~in the current circumstances; recommends, in that case, starting a reflection~~ns about the rule of law and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of religion; recalls the migratory process ~~to find an alternative~~ ure inflicted by the Erdogand re~~alistic framework for EU-Türkiye relations in substitution for the accession process; call~~gime toward the EU and the continued acts of military aggression towards Member states oin the ~~Commission, therefore, to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive process~~Mediterranean; while potentially continuing partnership in essential areas of joint interest; requests in this regard to terminate all financial assistance under IPA to Türkiye;

Amendment 358 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Considers, in view of all the above, that in the absence of a drastic change of course by the Turkish Government, Türkiye’s EU accession process has lost its purpose and will not endure much longer in the current circumstances; recommends, in that case, starting a reflection process to find an alternative and realistic framework for EU-Türkiye relations in substitution for the accession process; calls on the Commission, therefore, to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive procesdemns the further backsliding of Türkiye in the fields of democracy, human rights and rule of law and highlights that the continuous regression and lack of political will of the government of Türkiye to align with European Union standards and values have brought about the standstill of the accession process; calls for a structured and comprehensive high-level dialogue aimed at discussing and re-framing the current state of EU-Türkiye relations to take place urgently, while maintaining the formal freezing of the accession negotiations; advocates deepening EU- Türkiye people to people exchange and cooperation through the Horizon Europe, Erasmus + and Solidarity Corps programmes, that Türkiye joined in 2021, and increasing EU support for these programmes;

Amendment 359 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Considers, in view of all the above, that in the absence of a drastic change of course by the Turkish Government, Türkiye’s EU accession process has lost its purpose and will not endure much longer in the current circumstances; re~~commends, in that case, starting a reflection process to find an alternative and realistic~~affirms nevertheless its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for EU-~~Türkiye~~ Turkey relations ~~in substitution for the accession process; calls on the Commission, therefore, to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive process~~, as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure on and constructive dialogue with the Government of Turkey and the best framework to sustain the democratic and pro-European aspirations of Turkish society and promote convergence with the EU;

Amendment 36 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Evin INCIR, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)

– having regard to its resolution of 15 April 2015 on the centenary of the Armenian Genocide,1a _________________ 1a OJ C 328, 6.9.2016, p. 2.

Amendment 360 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

Amendment 361 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

Amendment 362 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Considers, in view of all the above~~, that~~ and, in the absence of a drastic change of course by the Turkish Government, Türkiye’s EU accession process has lost its purpose and will not endure much longer in the current circumstances; recommends, in that case, starting a reflection process to find an alternative and realistic framework for EU-Türkiye relations in substitution for the accession process; calls on the Commission, therefore, to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive procesfrom Türkiye, that a strategic discussion should be initiated within the European Council regarding the future of EU - Türkiye relations;

Amendment 363 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Considers, that in view of all the above~~, that~~ and in the absence of a drastic change of course by the Turkish Government, Türkiye’s EU accession process has lost its purpose and will not endure much longer in the current circumstances; recommends, in that case, starting a reflection process to find an alternative and realistic framework for EU-Türkiye relations in substitution for the accession process; calls on the Commission, therefore, to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive procesfrom Türkiye, that a strategic discussion should be initiated within the European Council regarding the future of EU-Türkiye relations;

Amendment 364 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Considers, in view of all the above, that in the absence of a drastic change of course by the Turkish Government, Türkiye’s EU accession process ~~has~~will loste its purpose and will not endure ~~much longer i~~in the long - term given the current circumstances; recommends, in that case, starting a reflection process ~~to find an alternative and realistic framework for~~regarding the EU- Türkiye relations ~~in substitution for the accession proces~~aiming at keeping open the accession process whilst respecting the value-based approach of the EU which is in place vis-à-vis all candidate for membership states; calls on the Commission, therefore, to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive process;

Amendment 365 #

Amendment 366 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Considers, in view of all the above, that in the absence of a drastic change of course by the Turkish Government, Türkiye’s EU accession process has lost its purpose and ~~will~~might not endure much longer in the current circumstances; recommends, in that case, starting a reflection process to find an alternative and realistic framework for EU-Türkiye relations in substitution for the accession process; calls on the Commission, therefore, to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive process;

Amendment 367 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Reaffirms that the EU's policy towards Türkiye is based on a dual approach, which favours open channels of communication and cooperation with Ankara (positive agenda/High Level Dialogues) in areas of common interest, in a gradual, proportionate and reversible manner and provided that Türkiye sustains de-escalation, as well as appropriate negative measures in case Türkiye persists in its provocative, revisionist and illegal actions.

Amendment 368 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Is of the opinion that the EU accession process is still relevant for Türkiye's future policy orientation and is a strategic objective; stresses that that strengthened accession perspective will serve mutual interests and encourage Türkiye to implement further reforms; believes that accession negotiations are the only valid platform to enhance longstanding engagement between the EU and Türkiye;

Amendment 369 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15 a. Regrets that the accession process is currently not bearing fruit; recommends launching a process of reflection aimed at finding a realistic framework for EU-Türkiye relations; calls, therefore, on the Commission to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework through a comprehensive and inclusive process;

Amendment 37 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)

– having regard to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/147,

Amendment 370 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Regrets that the current Customs Union will not achieve its full potential until Türkiye fully and effectively implements the Additional Protocol in relation to all Member States including the Republic of Cyprus in a non- discriminatory manner, which is a prerequisite for the opening of the negotations for the upgrading;

Amendment 371 #

15 b. Considers that the EU should continue to seek all possibilities for dialogue and mutual understanding with Türkiye, but urges the Turkish authorities to make efforts to strengthen constructive and good-faith dialogue; calls for a long- term vision for relations with Türkiye and for this relationship to be based on cooperation rather than confrontation; considers that it would be detrimental to convey the idea that Europe rejects Türkiye as this could push it to strengthen its relations with other countries such as Russia or Iran;

Amendment 372 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Insists that democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of good neighbourly relations between the EU and Türkiye and that any framework for those relations should be firmly underpinned by the principles of international law and multilateralism; believes that the continuous erosion of these fundamental rights and the overall decay of approaches inspired by European values is rapidly degrading the democratic fibre of Turkish society;

Amendment 373 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Insists that democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights ~~should remain~~as well as respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and sovereign rights lie at the heart of good neighbourly relations between the EU and Türkiye and that any framework for those relations should be firmly underpinned by the principles of international law and multilateralism;

Amendment 374 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

Amendment 375 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Insists that democracy, the rule of law ~~and~~, fundamental rights ~~shoul~~and pre~~main at the heart of good neighbourly relations between the EU and Türkiy~~vention of asylum fraud and illegal migration and asylum shall be andt th~~at any framework for those relations should be firmly underpinned by the principles of international law and multilateralism~~e centre neighbourly relations between the EUs Member States and Turkey;

Amendment 376 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Insists that democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of ~~good neighbourly relations between the EU and Türkiye and that any framework for those relations should be firmly underpinned by~~EU and Türkiye relations; reaffirms that respect for the principles of international law and multilateralism remains unconditional;

Amendment 377 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Evin INCIR, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Stresses that financial assistance of the Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPAIII) is based on a conditionality linked to the ‘fundamentals first’ approach; recalls that IPA III support can be suspended in the event of the degradation of democracy, human rights or the rule of law and modulated when indicators show significant regression or persistent lack of progress;

Amendment 378 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Stresses that visa liberalisation will be possible once all the criteria have been fully and effectively met in a non- discriminatory manner towards all Member States;

Amendment 379 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)

16b. Reiterates its call on Türkiye to comply with the EU declaration issued on September 21, 2005 and to fulfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement vis-a-vis all Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus; regrets that Türkiye has still not made progress towards the normalisation of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus; reiterates that recognition of all Member States is a necessary component of the accesion process, of Customs Union and every agreement between the EU and Türkiye and calls for progress without any further delay;

Amendment 38 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Türkiye, in particular those of 7 June 2022 on the 2021 Commission Report on Turkey1 and of 19 May 2021 on the 2019-2020 Commission Reports on Turkey2 and of 26 November 2020 on escalating tensions in Varosha following the illegal actions by Turkey, _________________ 1 OJ C 493, 27.12.2022, p. 2. 2 OJ C 15, 12.1.2022, p. 81.

Amendment 380 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)

16c. Deeply regrets the conversion of the Hagia Sophia historical-religious monument into a mosque without prior dialogue, which could violate the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage to which Türkiye is a signatory; calls on Türkiye’s Government to reconsider and reverse this decision in order to fully respect the historical and cultural character of cultural and religious monuments and symbols, especially UNESCO world heritage sites; recalls that Hagia Sophia is a place open for all communities and religions and calls on UNESCO to take proper actions in order to safeguard this World Heritage Site;

Amendment 381 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

Amendment 382 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Acknowledges and commends the democratic and pro-European aspirations of the majority of Turkish society (particularly among Turkish youth), whom the EU will not forsake; expresses its utmost commitment to sustaining and increasing the support for Türkiye’s independent civil society, including direct financial assistance, in whatever circumstances and under whatever framework for relations that the future may bring including by regularly monitoring the situation the right to freedom of assembly and association in Türkiye and raising concerns regarding attacks against human rights defenders and shrinking civic space; reiterates its call to strengthen and deepen mutual knowledge and understanding between Turkish and EU Member States' societies, promoting cultural growth, socio-cultural exchanges and combating all manifestations of social, religious, ethnic or cultural prejudice;

Amendment 383 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Acknowledges and commends the democratic and pro-European aspirations of the majority of Turkish society (particularly among Turkish youth), whom the EU will not forsake; expresses its utmost commitment to sustaining and increasing the support for Türkiye’s independent civil society in whatever circumstances and under whatever framework for relations that the future may bring; underlines that in the area of education, within the Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Türkiye, the net enrolment rate (NER) for preschool education decreased quite dramatically from 71.22 % in 2019- 2020 to 56.89 % in 2020-2021 and the combined NER for Turkish children between 3 to 5 years old decreased from 41.78 % to 28.35 % and that Türkiye has no youth strategy in place and does not prioritise civic engagement and empowerment of youth in line with the European Youth Strategy;

Amendment 384 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Acknowledges and commends the democratic and pro-European aspirations of ~~the majority~~a part of Turkish society (particularly among Turkish youth), whom the EU will not forsake; expresses its utmost commitment to sustaining and increasing the support for Tüurkiyey’s independent civil society in whatever circumstances and under whatever framework for relations that the future may bring; recognises, however, that this should never interfere in Türkiye’s internal political and social autonomy as a result; underlines that interference is interference no matter whether it is politically aligned or not;

Amendment 385 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Acknowledges and commends the democratic and pro-European aspirations of the majority of Turkish society (particularly among Turkish youth)~~, whom the EU will not forsake~~; expresses its utmost commitment to sustaining and increasing the support for Türkiye’s independent civil society ~~in whatever circumstances and under whatever framework for relations that the future may bring~~;

Amendment 386 #

François ALFONSI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 – point 1 (new)

(1) Reiterates that domestic conflicts with European borders can and have been solved through peaceful dialogue; therefore advocates for a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks between Türkiye and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) from 2013-2015, to the mutual benefit of both parties to the conflict and civilians in Türkiye; therefore also advises a review of the PKK’s inclusion on EU terror lists, in line with the landmark 2021 case in the Belgian Court of Cassation which found that the PKK should be considered a legitimate party to a civil conflict, in addition to the historic ruling by the EU Court of Justice that the EU Council had failed to provide sufficient evidence for the PKK’s continued listing as a terrorist organisation; further expresses its hope that such a review would pave the way for an enduring, negotiated peace settlement and truth and reconciliation process, in line with principles of international law;

Amendment 387 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Encourages Turkey and the EU to promote European integration by supporting young people, promoting youth participation and by building on prior experience in the cooperation in research and education; welcomes in this regard the agreements granting Turkey association status to Horizon Europe, Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps for the period 2021-2027;

Amendment 388 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

Amendment 389 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Re~~affirms its support for~~calls the need for Türkiye to fulfil its legal obligations under the EU - Türkiye Customs Union and deplores the continuous violations of the current framework; Regrets that the current Customs Union will not achieve its full potential until Türkiye fully and effectively implements the Additional Protocol in relation to all Member States including the Republic of Cyprus in a non-discriminatory manner, which is a prerequisite for the opening of the negotiations for the upgrading; Reaffirms its position that an upgraded customs union with a broader, mutually beneficial scope, ~~which~~ could encompass a wide range of areas of common interest, including digitalisation and Green Deal alignment; insists that such a modernisation would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and ~~the afor~~fundamental freedoms, respect for international law and good neighbourly relations, and that it can only be envisaged upon Türkiye’s full implementation~~ed principles~~ of the Additional Protocol to extend the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States without reserve and in a non-discriminatory fashion; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the outset of any negotiations, as Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement if no progress is made in thisose fields; remains ready to advance towards visa liberalisation as soon as the Turkish authorities ful~~fil the six outstanding benchmark~~ly and effectively meet all criteria in a non-discriminatory manner towards all member-states;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Tüurkiyey, in particular those of 7 June 2022 on the 2021 Commission Report on Turkey1 and of 19 May 2021 on the 2019-2020 Commission Reports on Turkey2 , _________________ 1 OJ C 493, 27.12.2022, p. 2. 2 OJ C 15, 12.1.2022, p. 81.

Amendment 390 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Reaffirms its support for an upgraded customs union with a broader, mutually beneficial scope, which could encompass a wide range of areas of common interest, including digitalisation and Green Deal alignment; insists that such a modernisation is incumbent upon Türkiye’s prior, full and non- discriminatory implementation of the existing agreement vis-à-vis all EU member states and would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights, international law and the aforementioned principles; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of th~~is democratic~~ese conditionalityies from the outset of any negotiations, as Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement ~~if no progress is made~~without results in thisese fields; remains ready to advance towards visa liberalisation as soon as the Turkish authorities fulfil the six outstanding benchmarks fully and in a non-discriminatory manner towards all EU Member States and stop inhumanly instrumentalising migrants to leverage politically the EU, including the instigation of migratory flows towards the Republic of Cyprus;

Amendment 391 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Reaffirms its support for an upgraded customs union with a broader, mutually beneficial scope, which could encompass a wide range of areas of common interest, including digitalisation and Green Deal alignment; insists that such a modernisation would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and ~~the afor~~fundamental freedoms, respect for international law and good neighbourly relations, and that it can only be envisaged upon Türkiye’s full implementation~~ed principles~~ of the Additional Protocol to extend the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States without reserve and in a non-discriminatory fashion; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the outset of any negotiations, as Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement if no progress is made in this field; remains ready to advance towards visa liberalisation as soon as the Turkish authorities fulfil the six outstanding benchmarks;

Amendment 392 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Reaffirms its support for an upgraded customs union with a broader, mutually beneficial scope, which could encompass a wide range of areas of common interest, including digitalisation and Green Deal alignment; insists that such a modernisation would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and ~~the aforementioned principles~~fundamental freedoms, respect for international law and good neighbourly relations, and that it can only be envisaged upon Turkey’s full implementation of the Additional Protocol to extend the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States without reserve and in a non-discriminatory fashion; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the outset of any negotiations, as Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement if no progress is made in this field; remains ready to advance towards visa liberalisation as soon as the Turkish authorities fulfil the six outstanding benchmarks;

Amendment 393 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Regrets the continued violation by Türkiye of the rules of the Customs Union and invites the European Council to look into the matter; reaffirms its support for an upgraded customs union with a broader, mutually beneficial scope, which could encompass a wide range of areas of common interest, including digitalisation and Green Deal alignment; insists that such a modernisation would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and the aforementioned principles; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the outset of any negotiations, as Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement if no progress is made in this field; remains ready to advance towards visa liberalisation as soon as the Turkish authorities fulfil the six outstanding benchmarks;

Amendment 394 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Reaffirms its support for an upgraded customs union with a broader, mutually beneficial scope, which could encompass a wide range of areas of common interest, including digitalisation and Green Deal alignment; insists that such a modernisation would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and the aforementioned principles; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the outset of any negotiations, as Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement if no progress is made in this field; remains ready to advance towards visa liberalisation as soon as the Turkish authorities fulfil the six outstanding benchmarks; encourages Member States to establish measures to establish a fast-track for visa procedures for Turkish Erasmus students;

Amendment 395 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

Amendment 396 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Reaffirms its support for a~~n upgraded c~~ mutually beneficial modernization of the Customs uUnion with a ~~broader, mutually beneficial scope~~n effective dispute settlement mechanism, which could encompass a wide range of areas of common interest, including digitalisation and Green Deal alignment; insists that such a modernisation would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and the aforementioned principles; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the outset of any negotiations, as Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement if no progress is made in this field; remains ready to advance towards visa liberalisation as soon as the Turkish authorities fulfil the six outstanding benchmarks;

Amendment 397 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

Amendment 398 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18 a. Notes the importance for Turkey, the Union and its Member States of maintaining close ties in the fight against terrorism; urges the Turkish authorities to continue their efforts to develop close cooperation with the European Union in the fight against terrorism and to further align its legislation on terrorism to European standards;

Amendment 399 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)

18 b. Underlines that, as regards energy, Türkiye remains an important and reliable transit country for the European Union; highlights the fact that Türkiye ensures the smooth operation of the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline and transmits Azerbaijani natural gas to Europe through the connection to the Trans- Adriatic Pipeline;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 September 2021 establishing the Instrument for Pre- accession Assistance (IPA III),

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)

– having regard to the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council on Cyprus, including resolution 186 (1964) which reaffirms the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, 550 (1984) of 11 May 1984 on secessionist actions in Cyprus, and resolution 789 (1992) of 25 November 1992 urging all concerned in the Cyprus question to commit themselves to the confidence-building measures set out in the resolution, whilst reaffirming the consideration of resolution 550 (1984) that any attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants are inadmissible and calling for the transfer of that area to the administration of the United Nations,

Amendment 41 #

Andrey KOVATCHEV

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)

– having regard to its resolution of 15 April 2015 on the Armenian genocide's 100th anniversary,

Amendment 42 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)

– having regard to the European Court of Human Rights, Cyprus v. Turkey, Judgment of 2001,

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)

– having regard to the relevant resolutions by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, including the interim resolution of 16th September 2021 on the execution of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Cyprus v. Turkey,

Amendment 44 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)

– having regard to its resolution of 26 November 2020 on escalating tensions in Varosha following the illegal actions by Turkey and the urgent need for the resumptions of talks 2a, _________________ 2a OJ C 425, 20.10.2021, p. 143

Amendment 45 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 b (new)

– having regard to the relevant resolutions by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, including the interim resolution of 16 September 2021 on the execution of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Cyprus v. Turkey,

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 c (new)

– having regard to the interim resolution of 2 December 2021 on the execution of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Selahattin Demirtaş v Turkey (No. 2),

Amendment 47 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas Türkiye held presidential and parliamentary elections in May 2023; whereas the joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) found that the legal framework for the presidential and parliamentary elections held in May 2023 does not fully provide a basis for holding democratic elections and that continued restrictions on fundamental freedoms of assembly, association, and expression hindered the participation of some opposition politicians and parties, as well as civil society and independent media; whereas the electoral run-up was characterised by a deep polarisation in the Turkish society with a narrow victory of re-confirmed President Erdogan, despite the unfair and unjustified advantages that the ruling parties have received in the run-up and during the elections, including in terms of presence in the media,

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas Tüurkiyey held presidential and parliamentary elections in May 2023 which resulted in the re-election of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan thus proving the Turkish people’s support of the political orientation of the President and his inconsideration for EU standards;

Amendment 49 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE were invited to observe the 14 May elections; whereas the European Parliament was not invited, based on allegations of unfair treatment;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)

– having regard to the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Turkey on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation,

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas devastating earthquakes struck south-eastern Türkiye on 6 February 2023, causing numerous fatalities and extensive infrastructure damage; whereas 21 EU Member States promptly dispatched search and rescue teams to Türkiye; whereas on 20 March the European Commission and the Swedish Presidency hosted a donors´ conference resulting in a pledge of 6,05 € billion in loans and grants for Türkiye;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas devastating earthquakes struck south-eastern Türkiye on 6 February 2023, causing numerous fatalities and extensive infrastructure damage; whereas the EU and its international partners have pledged 7 billion euros during the International Donors Conference to aid Turkey after the 6 February earthquake;

Amendment 52 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas devastating earthquakes struck south-eastern Türkiye on 6 February 2023, causing numerous fatalities ~~and~~, extensive infrastructure damage, and putting 1.7 million in dire need of humanitarian assistance in Türkiye and Northern Syria;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas devastating earthquakes struck south-eastern Tüurkiyey on 6 February 2023, causing numerous fatalities and extensive infrastructure damage;

Amendment 54 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas the Turkish NGO, the Turkish Red Croissant, illegally sold more than two thousand tents to survivors of the devastating earthquake on February 2023;

Amendment 55 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)

Bb. whereas the EU handed 956,7 million euros in humanitarian to Turkey between 2020 and 2022;

Amendment 56 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)

Bc. whereas the EU heavily supported Turkey with more than 6.5 billion euro in EU funds in order to assist refugees present in the country;

Amendment 57 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas Türkiye remains a candidate for EU accession, a NATO ally and a key ~~trade and economic partner, as well as a key partner on migration;~~ partner in security and counter- terrorism, trade and economic relations, and migration; whereas Türkiye is the EU’s sixth largest trade partner while the EU is Türkiye’s largest trade partner; whereas trade between Türkiye and Russia nearly doubled since the imposition of European sanctions against Russia; whereas Türkiye is a key member in NATO and has an instrumental geopolitical role to play in the region, in particular regarding the Russian War in Ukraine; whereas CSFP alignment has deteriorated from 14% to 7%, as Türkiye continues to cultivate ties to Russia instead of seeking alignment with the EU´s position;

Amendment 58 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas Tüurkiyey remains a candidate for EU accession, a ~~NATO ally and a key~~nd received 18 billion euros in pre-accession funds; whereas Turkey is an unreliable NATO partner and a trade and economic partner, as well as a ~~key~~n unreliable partner on migration, having threatened countless times to open the doors of Europe to migrants as leverage to receive further EU funds;

Amendment 59 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Evin INCIR, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas Türkiye remains a candidate for EU accession, a NATO ally and a key trade and economic partner, as well as a key partner on migration; whereas the European Union and its Member States are friend and partner of Turkey and its people with whom Europe shares deep commercial, cultural and historical links;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)

– having regard to the Agreement between the European Union and Türkiye on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation,

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas Türkiye remains a candidate for EU accession, a ~~NATO ally and a key~~key partner in trade ~~and~~, economic ~~partner, as well as a key partner on migration~~matters and on migration issues, as well as a strategic NATO ally and as such, Türkiye is expected to respect democratic values, rule of law, human rights and abide by the Acquis communautaire;

Amendment 61 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas Tüurk~~iye~~ey occupies a strategic position between Europe and Asia; whereas it remains a candidate for EU accession, a NATO ally and a key trade and economic partner, as well as a key partner on migration, security and the fight against terrorism and energy supply, among others;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas Türkiye remains a major neighbour of the EU, a candidate for EU accession, a NATO ally and a ~~key~~ trade and economic partner, as well as a ~~key~~ partner on migration;

Amendment 63 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas Türkiye remains a candidate for EU accession, a NATO ally and a key trade and economic partner, as well as a key ~~partne~~actor on migration;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas Türkiye remains a candidate for EU accession, a NATO ally and a ~~key~~ trade and economic partner, as well as a key partner on migration;

Amendment 65 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas Turkey opened and continued acts of aggression in the Eastern Mediterranean against Greece, a Member state, and continues to illegally occupy 38% of the Republic of Cyprus, also a Member State, since 1974, which should justify the immediate termination of its EU accession effort;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas Türkiye has been gradually moving further away from the EU’s values and normative framework, as exemplified by a number of measures curtailing fundamental freedoms and human rights and provocations against EU member- states, including against the Republic of Cyprus and Greece, which impair the prospects for a constructive dialogue and pose additional obstacles in its relations with the EU;

Amendment 67 #

Malik AZMANI, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS, Nathalie LOISEAU, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas Türkiye has been gradually moving further away from the EU’s values and normative framework, as exemplified by an increasing number of laws and measures curtailing fundamental freedoms and human rights; whereas EU accession negotiations have effectively been at a standstill since 2018, due to the deterioration of rule of law and democracy in Türkiye;

Amendment 68 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas Türkiye has been gradually moving further away from the EU’s values and normative framework, as exemplified by a number of measures curtailing fundamental freedoms and human rights; whereas Turkey needs to credibly demonstrate its commitment to closer relations and alignment with the European Union in order to reinvigorate its European perspective;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas Tüurkiyey has been gradually moving further away from the EU’s values and normative framework, as exemplified by a number of measures curtailing fundamental freedoms and human rights, in clear disdain of the Copenhagen criteria; whereas May 2023’s election results show that the Turkish people support this policy;

Amendment 7 #

Demetris PAPADAKIS, Attila ARA-KOVÁCS, Andreas SCHIEDER, Evin INCIR, Costas MAVRIDES

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4

– having regard to the negotiating – framework for Turkey of 3 October 2005, and to the fact that, as it is the case for all candidate countries, Türkiye’s accession to the EU depends on full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria, and to the need to normalize its relations with all EU Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus,

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas Türkiye has been gradually moving further away from the EU’s values and normative framework, as exemplified by a number of measures curtailing fundamental freedoms and human rights, in addition to continuously occupying part of the territory of an EU Member State for forty-nine years now;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

Amendment 72 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas Türkiye has been gradually moving further away from the EU’s values and normative framework for a number of years, a fact which shows a most worrying and deepening trend, as exemplified by a number of measures curtailing fundamental freedoms and human rights;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

Amendment 74 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Hilde VAUTMANS, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas Türkiye has been gradually but steadily moving further away from the EU’s values and normative framework, as exemplified by a number of measures curtailing the rule of law, fundamental freedoms ~~and~~, human rights and civil liberties;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas the Turkish Government seeks to influence members of the Turkish diaspora in the EU, such as through the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) and the Turkish- Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DITIB), to interfere with democratic processes in some Member States; whereas the Turkish Authorities actively called the Turkish diaspora to support “political parties that were not enemy of Turkey”;

Amendment 76 #

Da. whereas according to the report of the Platform to End Femicide (Kadın Cinayetlerini Durduracağız Platformu), 334 women were killed by men and 245 women were found dead under suspicious circumstances in 2022 in Türkiye; whereas in its 2021 report, the platform noted that 280 women were killed and 217 women were found dead under suspicious circumstances;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas Turkiye was ranked 48th among 49 countries as regards the human rights of LGBT people, according to the 2022 Rainbow Europe Map published by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA)- Europe;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas the downward spiral in terms of human rights and rule of law has continued, evidenced by Türkiye ranking in 165th place in the list of 180 countries in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, 16 places lower than in 2022;

Amendment 79 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)

Db. whereas the positive agenda offered by the EU in 2021 is currently practically at a standstill;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4

– having regard to the negotiating framework for Turkey of 3 October 2005, and the fact that, as with all accession countries, Turkey’s accession to the EU depends on full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria, and to the need to normalise its relations with all EU Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus,

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the Russian war of aggression continues to cause unprecedented geopolitical shifts in Europe; whereas Türkiye’s key location allows it to play an instrumental, strategic role in the events; whereas Türkiye has been the only facilitator accepted by both Ukraine and Russia, being instrumental in agreeing on the vital Black Sea Grain Initiative; whereas Türkiye has, however, decided not to align with EU sanctions against Russia, and mainly as a result of this non-alignment, Türkiye’s foreign policy alignment with the EU CFSP statements has deteriorated from 14% to only 7% between 2021-2022, which is by far the lowest of all enlargement countries;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the Russian war of aggression continues to cause unprecedented geopolitical shifts in Europe; whereas Türkiye’s key location allows it to play an instrumental, strategic role in the events; whereas now, more than ever before in the EU - Türkiye relationship, there must be a concerted effort in support of the legally recognised status-quo-ante wherever the Russian Federation waged wars of aggression, of international law and of internationally recognised borders;

Amendment 82 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the Russian war of aggression continues to cause unprecedented geopolitical shifts in Europe; whereas Tüurkiyey’s key location allows it to play an instrumental, strategic role in the events;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the Russian war of aggression ~~continues to~~ causes unprecedented geopolitical shifts in Europe; whereas Türkiye’s ~~key~~ location allows it to play an instrumental, strategic role ~~in the events~~;

Amendment 85 #

Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Maria SPYRAKI, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the Russian war of aggression continues to cause unprecedented geopolitical shifts in Europe; whereas Türkiye’s key location allows it to play an i~~nstrumental, strategic~~mportant role in the events;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

Amendment 87 #

Jean-Lin LACAPELLE, Thierry MARIANI, Emmanouil FRAGKOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

Ea. whereas Turkey, who occupies illegally Cyprus through a puppet regime, has made repeated threats and intimidating military manoeuvres against Greece and its partners in the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean, has caused indisputably more direct damage to Member states of the EU than Russia has over the last years, but has not suffered any sanctions from the EU although the situation would have justified that;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

Ea. whereas, the tensions between the EU and Turkey, in relation to the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean have de-escalated but not ceased;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)

Eb. whereas Turkey has been repeatedly asked to refrain from all actions which violate the sovereignty and sovereign rights of all EU member-states in violation of international and EU law;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4

– having regard to the negotiating framework for Turkey of 3 October 2005, and the full adherence to Copenhagen criteria which remains a precondition for the successful outcome of any accession process,

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

~~F. whereas the Turkish Government has repeatedly employed political delaying tactics and a transactional approach with regard to Sweden’s application for NATO membership;~~deleted

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas after a long delay, the Turkish Grand National Assembly ratified the NATO membership of Finland in March 2023, allowing the country to join NATO; whereas the Turkish Government has repeatedly employed political delaying tactics and a transactional approach with regard to Sweden’s application for NATO membership;

Amendment 92 #

Nathalie LOISEAU, Hilde VAUTMANS, Frédérique RIES, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Katalin CSEH, Klemen GROŠELJ, Georgios KYRTSOS

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas the Turkish Government has repeatedly employed political delaying tactics and a transactional approach with regard to Sweden’s application for NATO membership demanding the extradition of Turkish citizens residing in Sweden;

Amendment 93 #

F. whereas the Turkish Government ~~has repe~~is deliberatedly ~~employed political delaying tactics and a transactional approach with regard to Sweden’s application for NATO membership~~putting pressure on Sweden and delaying its accession to NATO membership at a moment of historical Russian aggressiveness;

Amendment 94 #

Loucas FOURLAS, Eleni STAVROU, Vangelis MEIMARAKIS, Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Stelios KYMPOUROPOULOS, Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI, Anna-Michelle ASIMAKOPOULOU, Maria SPYRAKI

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

Fa. whereas, in the aftermath of tensions between the EU and Turkey, particularly in relation to the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, the European Council expressed readiness to engage with Turkey in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner in a number of areas of common interest provided that the de-escalation is sustained and that Turkey engages constructively, and subject to the established conditionalities set out in previous European Council conclusions;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

Fa. whereas 2022 has seen substantial deepening of financial and economic integration between Türkiye and Russia, visible in many areas and markets including banking, real estate, tourism and energy;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)

Fb. whereas while economic growth in Türkiye has remained solid, inflation remains on a 20-year high and external imbalances in the economy are exacerbating;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas, after the efforts in previous years to depict in detail the developments regarding many aspects of Türkiye’s EU accession process and EU- Türkiye relations, this resolution intends to offer a more concise political assessment of the way forward; whereas a more positive dynamic in EU-Türkiye relations is sought after, the European Union expresses readiness to engage with Ankara in a number of areas of common interest, subject to the established conditionalities set out in previous European Council conclusions, including good neighbourly relations and respect for human rights and international law;

Amendment 99 #