EP resolutions
2022 resolution on the case of Osman Kavala in Turkey
The Parliament condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the recent ruling by Istanbul's 13th High Criminal Court on 25 April imposing an aggravated life sentence on Osman Kavala, who was found guilty of attempting to overthrow the government. The verdict came after Mr Kavala had spent more than four and a half years in unjust, unlawful and illegitimate detention, and less than three months after the Council of Europe launched infringement proceedings against Turkey for refusing to implement the legally binding judgment of the European Court of Human Rights to release Mr Kavala.
MEPs also demand immediate and unconditional release for the co-defendants at the recent trial, who were sentenced to 18 years in prison on the same charges.
The resolution was adopted by a show of hands.
2021 resolution on constant attacks and pressure on Turkish opposition parties
In a resolution adopted on 8 July 2021 by 603 votes in favor, 2 against and 67 abstentions, MEPs strongly condemn the indictment refiled by Turkey's Chief Public Prosecutor at the Constitutional Court seeking the dissolution of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), the third largest political party in the Turkish Parliament, and a political ban on nearly 500 HDP members. MEPs also condemn the decision made by Turkish authorities to remove democratically elected mayors from office on the basis of questionable evidence and replace them with unelected trustees.
Furthermore, the EP states that progress on any positive agenda that could be offered to Turkey should be dependent on improvements in the civil and human rights and rule of law situation in the country, including women's rights, religious freedom, and the rights of ethnic minorities and the LGBTI community.
2021 resolution on the 2019-2020 Commission reports on Turkey
The resolution adopted by 480 votes in favor, 64 against and 150 abstentions states that in recent years the government of Turkey has distanced itself from EU values and standards. Relations have reached a historic low point, and the state of the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights are of particular concern. MEPs insist that if Turkey does not reverse this current negative trend, the Commission should recommend that the accession negotiations be formally suspended.
EP calls on Turkey's relevant authorities to release all imprisoned human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, academics and others who have been detained by the government on unsubstantiated charges.
Reaffirming that Turkey is a key partner for stability in the wider region, the report commends Turkey's important role as host to almost 4 million refugees. It encourages the EU to continue supporting Syrian refugees, host communities and the Turkish civil society organizations.
2021 resolution on human rights situation in Turkey, notably the case of Selahattin Demirtaş and other prisoners of conscience
The EP calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Turkish opposition politician, former MP and former presidential candidate Selahattin Demirtaş, who has been detained for more than four years by Turkish authorities on unsubstantiated charges and in spite of two European Court of Human Rights rulings in favour of his release.
Respecting and applying the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights would go some way to confirming that the desire to turn a new page in EU-Turkey relations, expressed by President Erdoğan and other top government officials on 9 January of this year, is sincere.
Improved EU-Turkey relations are fully dependent on, among other things, tangible improvements in respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and fundamental rights within Turkey.
The text was approved by 590 votes in favour, 16 against and 75 abstentions.
2020 resolution on Turkey's activities in Varosha
In the resolution adopted by 631 votes in favour, 3 against and 59 abstentions, MEPs condemn Turkey's illegal activities in Varosha and warn that its partial "opening" weakens prospects of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, exacerbating divisions and entrenching the permanent partition of the island.
MEPs call on Turkey to transfer Varosha to its lawful inhabitants under the temporary administration of the UN (in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 550 (1984)) and to refrain from any actions that alter the demographic balance on the island through a policy of illegal settlement.
A sustainable solution to reunify the island of Cyprus and its people can only be found through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiations, MEPs stress. They call on the European Council to maintain its unified position on Turkey's illegal actions and impose tough sanctions in response.
2020 resolution on the dangerous escalation in the Eastern-Mediterranean
Ahead of a Special European Council meeting on 24 and 25 September on the dangerous escalation and the role of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, MEPs express their full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus, in a resolution adopted by 601 votes in favour, 57 against and 36 abstentions.
Stating that the EU is clear and determined in defending its interests, MEPs call on Turkey to immediately end any further illegal exploration and drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, to refrain from violating Greek airspace and Greek and Cypriot territorial waters and stop "nationalistic warmongering rhetoric".
2019 resolution on the Turkish military operation in northeast Syria
European Parliament strongly condemns the unilateral Turkish military intervention in northeast Syria, urging Turkey to withdraw all of its forces from Syrian territory. MEPs warn that Turkey's intervention in northeast Syria is a grave violation of international law, undermining the stability and security of the region as a whole. The EP advocates establishing a UN-led security zone in northern Syria and rejects Turkish plans for "a so-called safe zone" along the border in north-east Syria.
It finds it unacceptable that Turkish President has weaponised refugees and "used them to blackmail the EU". The EP calls on the Council to introduce a set of targeted sanctions and visa bans on Turkish officials responsible for human rights abuses, as well as to consider adopting targeted economic measures against Turkey. Suspending trade preferences in the agricultural products agreement should be considered and as a last resort, the suspension of the EU-Turkey Customs Union.
2019 resolution on situation in Turkey, notably the removal of elected mayors
The European Parliament adopted the resolution on 19 September 2019 in the single reading procedure. The resolution expresses serious concern regarding the replacement of the democratically elected mayors in south-east Turkey by government-appointed provincial governors/trustees, as it calls into question respect for the democratic outcomes of the 31 March 2019 elections and undermines the democratic structure of Turkey. It calls on the Turkish authorities to reinstate all mayors and other elected officials who won local elections on 31 March 2019 and were prevented from assuming office or were dismissed. Furthermore, it reiterates its profound concern at the ongoing deterioration of fundamental freedoms and the rule of law and urges Turkey to make its anti-terrorism legislation compliant with international human rights standards, to uphold international principles, ensuring pluralism and the freedoms of association and expression and an enabling environment for those elected.
2019 resolution on the 2018 Commission Report on Turkey
MEPs are seriously concerned about Turkey's poor track record in upholding the human rights, the rule of law, the media freedom and the fight against corruption. Taking the above into account, MEPs recommend to suspend EU accession talks with Turkey and stress that EU-Turkey relations must be redefined in terms of an effective partnership. EU funds, however, must still be available to support Turkish civil society, human rights defenders and students. The European Parliament also notes the importance for both the EU and its Member States and Turkey of maintaining close dialogue and cooperation on foreign policy and security issues and acknowledges the important role played by Turkey in responding to the migration crisis.