The Brussels International Center for Research and Human Rights (BIC-RHR)
organized a conference titled
“Mounting Challenges in EU-Turkey Relations” in the European Parliament,
on Wednesday the 20th of November 2019.
The conference touched upon the various Turkish violations of International law, including the collective deportation of Syrian refugees to northern Syria, which breaches the principle of ‘non-refoulement’ within International Human Rights Law. The conference also discussed the case of Turkey’s occupation of northern Syria along with the atrocities that were perpetrated against innocent civilians.
The conference was hosted by MEP and Renew Europe Vice Chair Frédérique Ries, who pointed out that Turkey is in the bottom 30 countries in the world for freedom of the media, according to the World Press Freedom Index, ultimately indicating a clear disturbance in Turkey’s democratic process.
The President of BIC-RHR and Belgium Special Envoy to Syria Marc Otte moderated the event and emphasized the need to formulate a pertinent and European stance on Turkey.
From his side, Can Dündar, the former editor-in-chief of Cumhuriyet newspaper in Istanbul, and the recipient of the International Press Freedom Award, expressed his disappointment in Turkey’s accession to the EU despite the benefits that his country would be entitled to, rather he noted that Turkey is moving away from theses democratic values under Erdogan’s regime. He included that the Turkish regime exploits refugees as a bargaining card to maneuver in negotiations with the EU, but that would eventually overshadow the ties between both entities on the long run.
Calin-lonut Ungur, EEAS Deputy Head of Division EU-Turkey Relations, explained that the EU is hopeful about Turkey’s accession; however, under the conditions of stability and democracy which are fundamental for Turkey to join the EU.
The Senior Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre, Amanda Paul, mentioned that EU-Turkey ties have been in a constant state of tension for the past two decades. Furthermore, she expressed her optimism on forming a constructive dialogue between both entities with regards to refugees and the situation in Syria.
Kim Freidberg, Director of RELEX Directorate Enlargement for Security, Civil Protection and Foreign Affairs at the Council of Europe, expressed his concern regarding the lack of cohesion between EU Member States’ foreign policy on the Turkey. He pointed out to the limited dialogue between the EU and Turkey and how it reduces opportunities for future cooperation. Mr. Freidberg concluded by warning against tensions in EU-Turkey relations given the lack of consensus around a strategic plan to address the situation in Turkey.
The conference attracted significant European and International attention. Various participants attended from EU policy making institutions, along with fellows from Egmont and several research centers. Participants also included members and representatives from the European Policy Centre, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, civil society organizations, policy observers and a vast media coverage from Arab and Western media outlets.
The conference concluded with a list of recommandations to help foster EU-Turkey relations, and the potential consequences if an updated European policy on Turkey is not formed in the near future.
It is important to mention that this conference is part of a series of activities that BIC-RHR organizes on various geopolitical cases that concern the EU and the Middle East.
Contact:
Brussels International Center for Research and Human Rights
Avenue Louise, 89 – 1050, Brussels
Tel: +32 027258466 | info@bic-rhr.com