MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Turkey, notably the removal of elected mayors

17.9.2019 - (2019/2821(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

Lars Patrick Berg, Jaak Madison, Jörg Meuthen, Guido Reil
on behalf of the ID Group

B9‑0082/2019

European Parliament resolution on the situation in Turkey, notably the removal of elected mayors

(2019/2821(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to article 5 and article 103 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey,

- having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 390/2001 of 26 February 2001 on assistance to Turkey in the framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of an Accession Partnership,

- having regard to the Council Decision of 18 February 2008 on the Principles, Priorities and Conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with the Republic of Turkey (2008/157/EC),

- having regard to the General Affairs Council conclusions on enlargement and stabilisation and association process of 18 June 2019,

- having regard to the Statement by the Spokesperson of the EEAS on the suspensions of elected mayors and detainment of hundreds of people in south-east Turkey of 19 August 2019,

- having regard to its earlier resolutions on Turkey,

- having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the EU recognises the importance of combatting terrorism;

B.  whereas democratic principles in relation to fair and free elections ought to be upheld and respected;

C. whereas President Erdoğan has once again threatened to open the gates for emigrants to Europe;

1.  Expresses its serious concern regarding the removal from office and subsequent arrest and sentencing of more than forty Turkish mayors;

2.  Notes that Turkey has an obligation to respect the democratic outcome of elections in accordance with its own constitution and its international obligations; 

3. Calls on the Commission and the Council to formally terminate and once and for all end negotiations regarding Turkish accession to the EU, as Turkey is not a European country and does not respect the European way of life;

4. Calls on the Commission and the Council to stop all pre-accession funding to Turkey;

5. Calls on the Member States to defend the EU’s external borders and to curb illegal immigration;

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the EEAS, the Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Turkey, and the Government of the Republic of Turkey.