EU threatens Turkey with sanctions over East Mediterranean dispute

EU leaders have warned that Turkey could face sanctions if it does not cease its “provocations and pressures.” The bloc also said it would reward Ankara for good behavior.

Oct.2, 2020

The European Union on Friday threatened to impose sanctions on Turkey amid increasingly tense ties with Ankara over its continued drilling for gas in the East Mediterranean, and its roles in regional conflicts.

“We want a positive and constructive relationship with Turkey, and this would also be very much in Ankara’s interest,” European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen said after a meeting of the EU leaders.

“But it will only work if the provocations and pressures stop. We, therefore, expect that Turkey from now on abstains from unilateral actions,” von der Leyen said.

“In case of such renewed actions by Ankara, the EU will use all its instruments and options available. We have a toolbox that we can apply immediately.”

The EU warning comes amid growing calls within the 27-nation bloc to take a tougher stance against Turkey over its aggressive actions in the East Mediterranean.

Read more at https://www.dw.com/en/eu-threatens-turkey-with-sanctions-over-east-mediterranean-dispute/a-55128289