European Council edges closer to imposing sanctions on Turkey
BRUSSELS — In a press conference held on Friday, European Council President Charles Michel announced that the European Union is ready to impose sanctions on Turkey due to its continuing unilateral actions and hostile rhetoric. During the press conference, Michel indicated that Ankara has not taken actions to reduce its escalating tensions with Greece in response to EU diplomatic communication.
“[The] cat-and-mouse game with Turkey must stop,” Michel stated, referring to the frequent Turkish exploration for gas into Greek waters. “We extended our hand to Turkey in October. Our assessment is negative with the Turkish continuous unilateral actions and rhetoric.”
He explained that a European summit will be held on 10 December at which possible sanctions against Turkey will be discussed, noting that they are ready to use all available means to deter Turkey from pursing an aggressive foreign policy.
Michel confirmed that the summit would review relations with Turkey in terms of reducing tension and engaging in constructive dialogue but that sanctions were a possibility.