Turkey must step back from authoritarian reforms to remain key EU partner said Marietje Schaake, Dutch Member of the European Parliament. Schaake was responding after the adoption of the annual Turkey report in the foreign affairs committee.

She said: “The text was significantly sharpened compared to the draft by S&D-rapporteur Kati Piri, who failed to address many urgent issues such as the rule of law, security laws and the serious threats to press and online freedoms. While it is important to acknowledge the importance of the trade and security aspects of our partnership with Turkey, these must go hand in hand with emphasis on the most significant  values. It is with deep regret that this year these have come under intensified pressure once more.”

Schaake added: “We call on President Erdogan and his AK Party to reverse the top-down grip and to see the value of democracy and the rule of law. The people in Turkey must know what the EU stands for, and how important the progress in accession talks can be for their well-being. The population holds the key to the future of Turkey during the upcoming elections.”