EU enlargement chief: Turkey should address open question on accession

During an interview with an Austrian newspaper on 24 August 2016, EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn called on Turkey to address the 'open question' of whether it was willing to meet the criteria to join the European Union since the uncertainty was straining its relations with the bloc.

Mr Hahn stated that the arrests in Turkey of thousands of people after the coup attempt in July had irked some EU member states and highlighted that the accession criteria were clear and non-negotiable. Following the remarks of Austria's Chancellor over the Turkish acession, the Commissioner stated he was against halting the talks with Turkey.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Austrian chancellor wants EU to end accession talks with Turkey http://www.europeansources.info/record/austrian-chancellor-wants-eu-to-end-accession-talks-with-turkey/

EUObserver, 25.08.16: EU to Turkey: Do you really want to join? https://euobserver.com/enlargement/134751

EUObserver, 26.08.16: Turkey threatens to scrap refugee deal, again https://euobserver.com/foreign/134767

EUObserver, 30.08.16: Turkey pledges loyalty to EU and Nato https://euobserver.com/foreign/134802

EurActiv, 02.09.16: Schulz signals visa-free travel for Turks possible despite differences http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/schulz-signals-visa-free-travel-for-turks-possible-despite-differences/

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