Juncker: NATO summit will be an opportunity to address our questions to Erdoğan

Speaking to German newspaper Rheinische Post, Juncker said that if capital punishment talks are more than rhetoric, this would mean a clear denial of the EU.  

According to DHA, Juncker stated that Turkey-EU negotiations are virtually ceased, but the relations can be broken off only by the decision of member countries, not by European Commission.  

Juncker stated that he prefers to keep the dialog channels open.  

We will meet at NATO summit 

President of the European Commission mentioned the NATO summit that will be held at the end of May:

“Basic principles of ascension process are clear and specified in EU agreements. Turkey, as a member of Council of Europe and a prospective EU member, is obliged to comply with human rights, rule of law and freedoms which are our basic values. There is no need for commenting on this. The NATO summit that will be held at the end of May will be an opportunity to address these questions to Erdoğan. What are his plans for Turkey’s future? Is Europe in it or not? I hope Europe is in it.” 

Reddest of all red lines 

Juncker also commented on death penalty: 

“This is the reddest of all red lines. If capital punishment talks are more than rhetoric, this would mean a clear denial of the EU. It would lead to break-off, since our union stipulates democracy, human rights and rule of law. Similarly, European Convention is based on the principle of protection of human rights and basic freedoms. These values forbid capital punishment.”