EU leaders to discuss future ties with Turkey, Merkel says

BERLIN – Anadolu Agency

The EU leaders will have an open debate next week on future relations with Turkey, but would not take any formal decision, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Oct. 14. 

In her weekly video podcast, Merkel said they have asked the European Commission to present a report on Turkey, amid recent tensions between Ankara and European capitals. 

“We will certainly not take any decision, but I would like to listen to the views of my colleagues on bilateral relations with Turkey,” Merkel said. 

The EU’s head of states and governments are scheduled to meet in Brussels on Oct. 19-20 for a planned European Council meeting. 

Merkel came under enormous pressure from her rivals ahead of the Sept. 24 elections to suspend Turkey’s EU membership talks amid recent tensions. 

She promised last month to discuss the future of EU-Turkey ties with other European leaders, but also underlined importance of maintaining dialogue with Ankara.