The EU must not allow itself to be blackmailed by Turkey over visa liberalisation and the Council must be prepared with a credible alternative plan if the deal with Turkey collapses. That was the message from the S&D Group following comments by President Erdogan saying that a deal must be reached on visa liberalisation by Autumn or Turkey would no longer fulfil its side of the bargain.
S&D Vice-President Knut Fleckenstein, said:
"Our position is very clear - we support visa liberalisation for all countries that fulfil the relevant benchmarks. This is the case for Turkish citizens as it is for citizens of any other country. However, in reaction to the recent coup attempt Turkey is moving in the wrong direction. We will not be blackmailed into accepting visa liberalisation by an increasingly autocratic regime in Ankara.
"Although Turkey is an important partner in solving the refugee crisis, the only lasting solution will be a common European one. The Council must now prepare for the situation that Turkey pulls its support for the refugee deal and be ready with a credible alternative plan.
"The EU must continue to push Turkey to respect fundamental human rights and the rule of law. Turkish citizens must understand that if they want visa liberalisation then it is up to their government to act and meet the necessary requirements. We will not accept it any other way."
