Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission

22.7.2020

In its 2019 report on Turkey[1], the Commission underlined that Turkey continued its policy of engagement in the western Balkans, in economic, trade, cultural and political terms, maintaining strong ties with the partners of the region and supporting their respective efforts to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the EU.

As pointed out by the Honourable Member, Turkey provided equipment to individual partners in the western Balkans in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This support has been welcomed by these partners.

In addition, Turkey holds the Chairmanship-in-office of the South East European Cooperation Process for the period 2020-2021. Fostering cooperation and good neighbourly relations between EU countries, Western Balkan partners and Turkey is an important element for stability on the European continent.

• [1] https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/sites/near/files/20190529-turkey-report.pdf